Vibration testing · Machinery assessment
Hand-arm, whole-body and machine-specific vibration measurements. ConformTest helps you obtain the evidence needed for your machinery risk assessment, instructions and technical file.
A focused part of your machinery assessment
We define the measurement scope around the machine, its operator contact points and the relevant test code. Testing can support a wider machinery safety assessment or an agreed vibration-only project.
Handles · Grips · Hand-guided equipment
Three-axis measurements at relevant hand contact points for tools and machinery such as drills, grinders, breakers and compactors. Results include frequency-weighted acceleration, the vibration total value and measurement uncertainty.
Seats · Floors · Operator platforms
Measurements at the surfaces supporting a seated or standing operator, including applicable mobile machinery and industrial trucks. Axis values, operating conditions and relevant shock or vibration dose metrics are included where required.
Operating modes · Mountings · Design changes
Agreed measurements to compare operating conditions, investigate transmission paths or check vibration-reduction measures. Machine casing or bearing vibration, where included, is assessed separately from vibration transmitted to people.
The applicable test code determines sensor positions, operating cycles, loads, accessories and repeat measurements. Location, equipment and any specialist measurements are confirmed in the quotation.
The right method for the right machine
EN ISO 12100 provides the risk assessment framework.
General vibration measurement and declaration principles.
Machine-specific requirements and operating conditions.
| Application | Typical standards | How they support the test |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-held & hand-guided machinery | EN ISO 20643 | General principles for evaluating vibration emission; use the applicable machine-specific code where available. |
| Portable power tools | EN ISO 28927 series · EN / EN IEC 62841 series | Select the relevant part for the tool and power source. Examples include grinders, drills and impact tools; these series are not interchangeable for every product. |
| Mobile machinery & industrial trucks | EN 1032 · EN 13059 | Mobile-machine emission principles and, for trucks within scope, a specific vibration test method. |
| Human vibration exposure | EN ISO 5349-1 / -2 · ISO 2631-1 · EN 14253 | Hand-transmitted and whole-body measurement or exposure assessment. These do not replace a product-specific emission test code. |
| Emission declarations | EN 12096 | Declaration and verification of vibration emission values, including the associated uncertainty. |
| Machine condition, where agreed | ISO 20816 series | Evaluation of machine vibration for equipment within the relevant part’s scope. This is separate from hand-arm or whole-body assessment. |
Examples only. We confirm the applicable BS adoption, edition, amendments and any EU harmonised or GB designated status for the machine and supply date. A new edition is not automatically harmonised or designated.
From measurement to conformity evidence
Identify vibration hazards and assess measures to reduce vibration at source.
Record representative conditions, measured results, uncertainty and limitations.
Support emission declarations, residual-risk information and the technical file.
Measures a machine under defined test conditions. It supports emission declarations, product comparison and machinery conformity assessment.
Considers how the equipment is actually used and for how long. Daily exposure A(8) and, where relevant, vibration dose require representative task and exposure information.
A declared emission value is not a daily exposure value or a universal safe-use time. Workplace assessment under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 in Great Britain, or the relevant EU national rules implementing Directive 2002/44/EC, is a separate scope.
Requirements depend on market and supply date
CE marking
Directive 2006/42/EC applies until 19 January 2027. Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 generally applies from 20 January 2027. The vibration test and declaration scope must match the applicable legislation.
UKCA or recognised CE route
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 apply, as amended. Select the relevant conformity route and standards; CE recognition remains subject to the applicable statutory conditions.
EU-linked machinery requirements
EU machinery rules apply, including the 2027 transition. CE is used; CE + UKNI is relevant where a UK body performs mandatory third-party conformity assessment. UKCA alone is not sufficient.
Under Directive 2006/42/EC and the current GB machinery requirements, relevant instructions must state hand-arm emission values above 2.5 m/s² and, for applicable mobile machinery, whole-body values above 0.5 m/s². If the value does not exceed the relevant threshold, this must be stated. Include uncertainty, the measurement method and operating conditions.
These are machinery information thresholds, not product pass/fail limits or daily exposure limits. From 20 January 2027, the EU/NI rules introduce revised information requirements for portable hand-held and hand-guided machinery, including continuous hand-arm vibration and acceleration peaks from repeated shocks. Plan the measurements and declaration against the applicable requirements.
Model, intended use, operator contact points and target market.
Test code, operating modes, location, samples and quotation.
Complete the agreed measurements and assess the results.
Test report and findings for your machinery assessment.
Documentation support, design comparisons and retesting are included only where agreed. The manufacturer remains responsible for the complete conformity assessment and declaration.
No. The risk assessment, operator contact points and relevant machine standard determine whether either or both are needed. A fixed machine with no relevant human vibration transmission may need a different assessment.
Not by themselves in every case. They address human vibration measurement and evaluation. Product emission testing must follow the applicable machine test code and declaration requirements.
No. These machinery declaration thresholds are not universal safety limits. Risk reduction, the applicable test code and information for safe use still need to be considered.
Where the test code, measurement environment and safe operating conditions allow it. We agree the location, required facilities and machine preparation before testing.
The report is supporting evidence. It does not replace the complete machinery conformity assessment, technical file, instructions or manufacturer’s declaration. See our machinery safety testing service for the wider assessment.
Tell us about your machine
Share the machine type, target market and where vibration reaches the operator. We will help define the relevant tests as part of your machinery assessment.
Request a Testing QuoteEmail: info@conformtest.com Telephone: +44 7760 682877
References: GB machinery requirements · EU Machinery Regulation · HSE vibration guidance · EU machinery standards · GB designated standards
Reviewed: 21 October 2026.
