Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is still one of the most persistent risks in engineering, manufacturing and construction. Despite greater awareness, many worksites continue to rely on tools that produce higher vibration levels than necessary.
Others use equipment that has not been tested for years. The result is the same: reduced productivity and a greater chance of long-term injury.
Working with a specialist pneumatic tools supplier can cut that risk. Principal Power Tools has spent more than thirty years supporting businesses that need dependable equipment backed by accurate vibration assessments. The right supplier does far more than sell tools. It becomes a partner in risk control, practical decision making and long-term safety improvement.
Below, we break down how choosing an expert supplier transforms your ability to manage HAVS across your operations.
Deep Knowledge of Vibration and Tool Behaviour
Most suppliers know the brands they sell. A specialist goes further. Principal Power Tools began with founders who worked in foundries, metal fabrication, boat building, offshore oil and gas, aerospace and automotive manufacturing. That means we understand how vibrations vary with materials, workload and real-world handling.
A tool that seems ideal on paper may behave very differently under load. A specialist supplier has the technical background to predict how a grinder, sander or impact wrench will respond in daily use. That insight helps companies choose tools that give the performance they need while minimising vibration.
A general supplier cannot offer this level of accuracy. In contrast, a specialist uses decades of engineering exposure to guide customers towards the safest and most efficient option.
Access to Accurate HAVS Testing and Assessments
HAVS management relies on data. Not estimates or outdated figures. Real testing carried out with reliable equipment. Principal Power Tools was one of the first companies in the UK to provide onsite vibration testing as far back as 2001. This early adoption sets a strong benchmark. It means the company has witnessed the evolution of standards and understands how to apply them correctly.
Accurate testing gives businesses a realistic view of exposure points on their site. It also reveals which tools are becoming unsafe and when changes are needed. Without this information, employers can only guess at vibration levels, and guessing leaves workers unprotected.
By choosing a supplier that provides assessments alongside equipment, you get both sides of the picture. You know what your tools can do and how they behave in practice. That combination makes it far easier to create safe working patterns and comply with current regulations.
Support With Selecting the Right Tools
Many operators are handed a tool based on cost or availability rather than suitability. When tools are mismatched to the task, vibration increases. A specialist pneumatic tools supplier helps prevent this by analysing how a tool will be used, what materials are involved and how often the task will be repeated.
For example:
A high output grinder may not be necessary for fine metal finishing. A lower powered model can complete the task with less vibration.
A heavier impact tool may look more robust, yet a lighter model might reduce strain and allow shorter exposure times.
In some cases, a modified or bespoke tool is the best answer.
Principal Power Tools has spent years working with companies that need tools adjusted to precise tasks. Small changes in design can create significant improvements in user comfort and overall safety. This level of insight is only possible with suppliers who understand the engineering environment first hand.
Exclusive Access to Reliable Pneumatic Brands
The quality of tools has a direct impact on vibration output. Cheap imports often produce inconsistent performance that leads to higher exposure. Specialist suppliers focus on premium brands that are built to reduce vibration and maintain stable output throughout their working life.
Principal Power Tools is the sole UK importer for Fuji and Rodac pneumatic tools. The company is also the largest independent distributor and official warranty agent for Dynabrade. These brands are proven across global industries for durability, balance and smooth running.
Using higher grade tools does not remove the risk entirely, but it reduces unnecessary vibration caused by inferior build quality. It also means repairs and parts availability are dependable, which keeps tools working at their best for longer.
Training and Guidance That Keep Your Workforce Safe
Tools alone cannot manage HAVS. People need to know how to use the equipment correctly and understand the risks involved. Specialist suppliers provide training that covers tool handling, exposure limits, maintenance habits and regulatory requirements.
Because Principal Power Tools also handles testing equipment, the company has a complete view of how vibration affects workers in day-to-day conditions. This makes the training practical and grounded in real experience rather than theory.
When staff understand why certain tools are chosen, how exposure is measured and what steps reduce risk, HAVS control improves across the entire site.
If you need help finding the right tools, simply contact our team today.