HAVS monitoring for compliance and exposure records
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Measure real world hand arm vibration exposure by operator and by tool
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Create clear exposure records to support HAVS risk assessments
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Identify high vibration tools, misuse, or maintenance issues
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Support consistent monitoring across teams and shifts
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, often shortened to HAVS, is a recognised occupational health condition linked to repeated exposure to vibration from powered tools and machinery. In practical terms, this exposure is transferred through the hands and arms during everyday tasks, and over time it can lead to symptoms such as vibration white finger, nerve damage and reduced circulation.
There is no cure for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, which is why employers are required to assess, control and record vibration exposure in the workplace. Symptoms can begin to develop within months, making accurate monitoring a practical part of responsible HAVS risk management rather than a purely administrative exercise.
HAVSense is a dedicated HAVS monitoring system designed to measure and record hand arm vibration exposure at the level of the individual operator. By capturing real world tool usage data, the system supports risk assessment decisions, clearer exposure records and more consistent exposure management across teams using vibrating equipment.
HAVSense – HAVS Monitoring System
It is essential to manage operators’ exposure to hand arm vibration in the workplace. Employers need a practical way to assess, control and record exposure and to demonstrate a consistent approach to HAVS risk management. HAVSense supports this by providing measured exposure data and clear records, helping you reduce uncertainty and support compliance decisions.
The discreet, ergonomic dosimeters measure vibration across three orthogonal axes using three in-built sensors. Exposure is recorded tool by tool and operator by operator across the working day. Once docked, records are transferred and stored for review. This data can support job and shift planning, highlight inefficient tool use, and help identify tools that may be producing higher vibration than expected.
Now available with tool mounting strap for ease of use
Mount directly to the handle of a vibrating hand tool when consistent tool based exposure data is required. Suitable for measurement workflows aligned with ISO 5349.
Explore the three core elements of the HAVSense HAVS monitoring system: dosimeters, docking station, and software.
HAVSense HAVS Dosimeter Sensor
What Are Dosimeters?
HAV Dosimeters are the truly unique component of the HAVSense System, completely self-contained, they record the entire vibration dosage imparted on the hands and fingers. They have been ergonomically designed to fit comfortably between the fingers under a glove, require no wires or connections and automatically transfer their entire vibration record to your computer system when returned to the docking system at the end of a shift.
How They Work
The HAV dosimeters have been ergonomically developed to sit seamlessly between the fingers whether beneath or above a glove. Careful design ensures our dosimeters don’t hinder movement or use of the hand, while still being right where the vibration occurs.
Thousands of times a second, the dosimeter filters and processes the signal from three sensors, positioned in the three axes. Every second, HSE points are automatically calculated and recorded by the dosimeter. Should the operator exceed either the action limit or the legal limit of HSE points the dosimeter will issue a visual alarm, indicating that an exposure threshold has been reached and that work should be reviewed.
At the end of a shift, the dosimeter is simply placed back into the docking station which will transfer the vibration record to a PC ready for review and charge the dosimeter ready for the next allocation to a user.
Why Dosimeters Are The Solution?
HAVSense dosimeters measure and record the vibration actually received by the operator. This makes the record far more representative than time only methods, because it captures the real exposure delivered to the hands during work. The result is clearer monitoring data that supports HAVS risk assessment records and helps demonstrate a consistent process.
Many systems estimate exposure by timing tool use. In practice, that approach depends on accurate start and stop logging and assumes vibration levels stay consistent. Real world exposure varies significantly depending on tool condition, task, grip, posture, and the material being worked.
Factors that make simply timing unsuitable
Vibration levels can vary significantly from manufacturer guidelines when all of these factors are considered –
- Where the tool is held
- How tightly the tool is held
- Wearing various types of gloves
- Not wearing gloves
- The various materials the tool is used on
- Varying levels of vibration throughout use
- Wear and condition of the tool
- Stance of operator
Technical Specification
Dimensions
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Height
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45 mm
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Width
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24 mm
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Depth
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37 mm
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Weight
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23 g
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Measurement
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Sensors
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3 sensors along 3 orthogonal axes
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Range (RMS)
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0.18 to 180ms-2 (Overload clips peak at 254ms-2 without hysteresis or lag)
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Range (Freq.)
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5Hz – 1.6KHz
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Data Recording
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Sampled once per second (sum or x,y and z axes plus overload)
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Hand-arm freq. weighting
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Wh as defined by ISO 8041
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Results
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Daily vibration exposure A(8) or Ahwx, Ahwy, Ahwz, HSE exposure points, overload per cent time.
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Operation
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User Identification
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Assigned when collected from dock
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Warnings
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Normal Operation
Action Level
Limit Level
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1 flash every 4sec
1 flash every 1sec
4 flashes per 1sec
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Battery Life
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Minimum 12 hrs full charge
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Charge time
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3.5 hrs (typical)
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Temperature Range
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-10 – 40C (Operating)
0 – 40C (Charging)
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Standards
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Standards Compliance
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 ISO 8041:2005 |
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Electrical Safety
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IEC 61326-1:2005: Electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use
IEC 61010-1:2001: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement control and laboratory use
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HAVSense Dock for Hand-Arm Vibration Sensors
What Is The Dock?
The HAVSense docking station provides all the facilities required for using dosimeters to monitor hand-arm vibration. In conjunction with the HAVSense software the dock charges and arms the dosimeters, which can then be issued to specific individuals. When dosimeters are returned to the dock at the end of a shift, the dock downloads the entire vibration record to PC to maintain a log of exposure.
By centralising issue, return, and download at the end of a shift, the dock helps maintain consistent records and reduces gaps in exposure logging.
How It Works
The dock has five ports that accept the HAVSense dosimeters. When connected the dosimeters automatically begin charging and if the docking station is connected to a PC running the HAVSense software the vibration record will be automatically downloaded and stored. When an operator starts their shift, they simply enter their unique PIN and the dock will assign a dosimeter with sufficient charge for a full shift, indicated by a flashing LED. When docked a dosimeter will also be checked by the docking station to ensure it is working correctly before being issued to the next operator.
Docking Station Features:
- 5 ports for charging, arming and issuing dosimeters
- Full charge in as little as 3.5 hours
- Individual PINs to identify operators
- USB transfer to PC for analysis and storage of data
- Monitoring of dosimeter status to ensure they are in working order
- Automatic issue of a sufficiently charged dosimeter ready for a full shift
Technical Specification
Dimensions
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Height
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60 mm
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Width
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190 mm
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Depth
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170 mm
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Weight
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2.2 kg
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Operation
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No. of ports for dosimeters
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5
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Keypad
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Assigns dosimeters by PIN code
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Display
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Green
Amber
Red
Flashing
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Dosimeter connected
Dosimeter charging
Error
Ready to deploy
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Power
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External 110V/230V Mains Supply Adapter
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Temperature Range
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0-50C
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Computer Interface
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USB Connection
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Standards
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Standards Compliance
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EN61010-1 Installation Cat II
EN55022 RF Emissions
EN61326 Immunity Table 1, Performance B
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Electrical Safety
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IEC 61326-1:2005: Electrical equipment for measurement control and lab use
IEC 61010-1:2001: Safety requirements for electrical measurement of control and lab use
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HAVS Software to Monitor Hand-Arm Vibration
What Is the HAVSense Software?
Software is the element of HAVSense that turns components into a system. The software controls the issuing of dosimeters and the collection and management of data they produce. With the Desktop Dock plugged into a PC running the HAVSense software, workers are able to issue dosimeters, upload their data and review their exposure. Employers can use the software to view and manage their worker’s exposure as well as change settings for the system.
How The Software Works
The software uses a two-level hierarchy; Users and Administrators. User profiles are used by workers who wish to monitor their vibration exposure while administrators are able to review any user’s data and change settings for individuals and for the system as a whole. The HAVSense software automatically detects when a docking station is connected to the PC and dosimeters in the dock will charge. An administrator is then able to register the dosimeters to the software ensuring the dosimeters can only be used where authorised.
Users
When a desktop dock is attached to a PC running the HAVSense software users are able to issue themselves a dosimeter to monitor their vibration. A user logs into the software using their personal login code and simply presses the activate button. The software will then choose a dosimeter with sufficient charge to last a full shift and will create a time and user stamp to ensure the vibration file will be logged with the correct user. The user can then simply remove the issued dosimeter from the dock and monitor their vibration throughout their shift.
At the end of a shift the user simply replaces the dosimeter into the docking station and the software will automatically download the vibration file and assign it to the user. The operator is also able to view their own files including; individual vibration profiles over a shift or a comparison of cumulative HSE points acquired. These file review features are powerful tools that allow users to ensure they are below exposure limits as well as providing the ability to identify which activities cause the most exposure.
Administrators
Admin users have full control of their HAVSense system with the ability to; create and manage users, register and manage dosimeters and manage the individual vibration files. The admin settings window is only accessible to administrators and allows much wider control of the system and some useful functions. When a new dosimeter is added to the system admins can use the HAVSense software to register the dosimeter to their system, ensuring that the dosimeter is only used where permitted. In the admin settings window one can also see when a dosimeter next requires calibration and view its information such as serial number and firmware version. Dosimeters also have a number of settings that can be controlled by the admin including; when vibration files are uploaded (Immediately or otherwise) and whether files are automatically archived. Admin users are also able to set a local or network location for backup of vibration files. This feature also allows other admins to access the files from other computers on the network, making monitoring and sharing data simple.
Once users have begun monitoring their vibration exposure, admins are able to view and compare their files. In the ‘Plots’ window, admins can add files from any shift and user allowing comparison between shifts and individuals. The HSE history window allows admins to view the HSE points an operator has accumulated over a shift and compare it with the rest of that operator’s history. Many of our users have used these functions to reduce the vibration their operators are exposed to.
HAVSense Mounting Strap
Optional Strap Mount
The optional HAVSense Strap Mount is a practical, cost-effective solution for mounting your HAVSense Dosimeter directly onto the handle of vibrating hand tools. Whether hand mounting is impractical, uncomfortable, or inconsistent, this strap enables consistent vibration data collection in full compliance with ISO 5349.
Quick to fit and easy to adjust, the mount uses a secure Velcro strap to hold the Dosimeter firmly in place during use – ideal when you need reliable tool-based vibration exposure readings without disrupting workflow or comfort.
Why Choose the Strap Mount?
- ISO-Compliant: Supports ISO 5349 measurement requirements for tool-based vibration exposure.
- Simple and Secure: Hook-and-loop (Velcro) fastening keeps the Dosimeter stable on a variety of tool handles.
- Comfort and Flexibility: Avoids interference with tool grip or user comfort: perfect for extended tool use or where hand mounting isn’t feasible.
- Ideal for Tool-Specific Monitoring: Particularly useful in fleet environments or when monitoring specific equipment exposure.
Designed for Practical Deployment
The mount is most effective when installed close to the user’s grip, providing accurate data while keeping the Dosimeter clearly visible and unobtrusive. Left- or right-handed use is supported, and adjustment is quick thanks to the simple Velcro system.
The Dosimeter can be removed in seconds and reassigned as needed, with no damage to tools or discomfort to users – a robust, reusable solution that fits seamlessly into day-to-day monitoring routines.
If you require assistance selecting the right configuration or need a replacement strap, please get in touch.
Software Requirements
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Installation Size
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40.5 Mb
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| Minimum System Requirements | |
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Processor
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Intel Celeron
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Memory
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2 GB
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Disk Space
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1 GB of free space
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I/O
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USB-2 port
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Compatible Operating Systems
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Windows 10/11
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Ready to Monitor Vibration Exposure Accurately?
Request a personalised quote for the HAVSense system and start tracking operator vibration levels in real time—no estimates, no guesswork.
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Technical Support
If you have specific technical support questions about your HAVSense system then our engineers, will be happy to help. If you are experiencing a fault with your system please see Customer Service.
Tel: 01692 400 635
Email: tech@havsco.co.uk
Customer Service
If you would like to upgrade your system or are experiencing a fault, please get in contact with our office staff. Customer service may also be able to advise on any technical support you may need.
Tel: 01692 400 635
Email: sales@havsco.co.uk
Calibration
If your dosimeters are due for their annual calibration, please get in touch to organise a date that best suits you. Your dosimeters will typically be returned within a week.
Tel: 01692 400 635