Meeting health and safety regulations nowadays isn’t an option, it’s critical. From manufacturing floors and shipyards to aerospace assembly lines, companies are under growing pressure to minimise risks, protect employees, and meet the latest regulations.
Although PPE and safety signs are obvious parts of the equation, one element is often overlooked: the safety of the tools themselves.
Choosing the right power tools company can mean the difference between a safe, compliant workforce and a costly incident. At Principal Power Tools, we don’t just supply tools: we help organisations build safety into every operation.
Understanding the Real Risks
Power tools are essential to modern engineering, but they come with serious risks if not properly selected, maintained, and monitored. One of the most critical, yet poorly understood, dangers is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
HAVS develops over time due to prolonged exposure to vibration from power tools. Unfortunately, the symptoms (numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of strength) can be permanent.
The condition is entirely preventable, yet continues to affect workers across the UK every year. Employers who fail to control exposure to vibrations can not only damage the health of staff but face legal action, financial penalties, and damage to their reputation.
That’s where an expert power tools company should step in. Principal Power Tools can not only assist with picking products, but with expert guidance, tools for assessments, and long-term support.
Beyond the Tools: Expert Guidance for Compliance
Founded in 1994, Principal Power Tools has over thirty years of experience tackling the toughest engineering challenges. We’ve worked with companies across various sectors to improve safety, improve their use of tools, and solve issues with compliance.
But we go further than most suppliers. We offer onsite HAVS testing, vibration assessments, training and consultancy services, giving our clients the insight and tools they need to meet the latest safety standards with confidence.
Our clients don’t just buy tools: they benefit from decades of industry experience, with bespoke recommendations based on experiences in the real world.
The Link Between Burrs, and Safety
A major but often hidden contributor to unsafe tool operation is burrs: small, jagged pieces of excess material left behind after machining or cutting processes.
While burrs may seem minor, they can dramatically increase friction, compromise the balance of tools and increase the output of vibrations, creating risks for both HAVS and putting tools at risk of failure.
This is especially dangerous in sectors like aerospace or offshore engineering, where precision and consistent performance are paramount. At Principal, we understand the engineering consequences of poorly finished tools.
That’s why we only work with manufacturers known for the quality of their tools and high standards, including Fuji, Rodac, and Dynabrade. We also perform in-house inspections and testing to identify and remove issues like burrs before tools ever reach the jobsite.
Real-Time Testing and Ongoing Monitoring
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes clear that employers must assess and manage exposure to vibrations. But assessing this problem accurately isn’t straightforward. You need reliable data, taken under actual operating conditions, not lab estimates.
Principal Power Tools was one of the first companies in the UK to offer onsite vibration testing, dating back to 2001. Today, we continue to lead the field with a range of vibration meters, accelerometers, and software to help companies perform proper HAVS risk assessments.
We also provide ongoing monitoring support and training, so your teams know how to track vibration levels over time and take action before thresholds are breached.
Whether you’re just starting to manage HAVS or improve an existing programme, we’ll ensure you’re equipped with the right knowledge and technology.
Expert Repairs for Power Tools
We understand that many of our clients don’t just use tools: they distribute them, resell them, or manage large fleets across multiple sites. That’s why we’ve built a reputation for reliable repair services, trusted by independent distributors and large corporations alike.
If a power tool fails safety checks, our team can refurbish or replace components quickly, often with a turnaround that avoids costly downtime. And thanks to our strict non-disclosure policy, you can trust us to handle sensitive repair and testing work in total confidentiality.
You don’t need to set up your own workshop or train internal staff to manufacturer standards: we’ll do the heavy lifting while you stay focused on operations.
Meeting the Latest Standards in 2025 and Beyond
Regulations continue to evolve, with HSE raising expectations for preventive action, record-keeping, and educating employees. It’s not enough to simply tick boxes anymore; you need systems which make use of the latest data and expert support.
Principal Power Tools keeps its clients ahead of the curve by continuously testing the latest vibration equipment, evaluating new technologies, and updating our recommendations based on observations and field data.
When you work with us, you’re not buying equipment and accessories: you’re investing in an evolving partnership that adapts to your industry, workforce, and safety goals.
If you’re seeking a power tools company, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
