Read the instructions
Understand the controls, warnings, permitted applications and maintenance requirements before use.
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HiKOKI health, safety and environment
Practical signposting for safer tool use, managing vibration, looking after lithium-ion batteries and disposing of equipment responsibly.
Before you start
Safe use starts with the right information
Power-tool risks vary with the tool, accessory, material, environment and task. The instruction manual and a suitable risk assessment should always come first.
Use the correct tool and accessory
Check compatibility, condition, speed rating and suitability for the material and operation.
Keep guards and safety features fitted
Do not bypass protective devices. Stop using equipment if a guard, control or safety feature is damaged.
Control dust and debris
Use suitable extraction and respiratory protection where the risk assessment requires it, particularly when cutting or grinding.
Protect eyes, hearing and hands
Select appropriate PPE for the task without relying on PPE as the only control measure.
Inspect before use
Check the tool, cable, battery, accessory and work area. Remove damaged equipment from service.
General guidance—not a substitute for competence
This page does not replace product instructions, training, site rules, supervision, legal duties or a task-specific risk assessment. Stop work if the tool behaves abnormally or the job cannot be performed safely.
Hand-arm vibration
Manage total daily exposure
Vibration exposure depends on both the vibration magnitude and the time the tool is actually operating—the trigger time. Published figures help with assessment, but real exposure varies with the work, accessory, material and condition of the equipment.
Daily exposure action value. At this point employers should introduce technical and organisational controls.
Daily exposure limit value. The HSE states that this level must not be exceeded.
Plan work, rotate suitable tasks and avoid unnecessary time with the tool operating.
Correct, sharp and well-maintained equipment can reduce avoidable vibration and effort.
Lithium-ion batteries
Charge, store and transport with care
Lithium-ion batteries store significant energy. Damage, short circuits, heat, incorrect charging or unauthorised modification can create a serious fire risk.
Use compatible HiKOKI equipment
Use the correct original battery and charger specified for the tool. Do not alter the battery, charger or terminals.
Protect against damage and heat
Do not crush, puncture, drop, dismantle or expose batteries to persistent heat, flame, water or direct sunlight.
Prevent short circuits
Keep terminals away from loose metal objects. Protect or tape terminals when preparing a battery for recycling or transport.
Stop if anything is abnormal
Do not use or charge a battery that is damaged, swollen, leaking, unusually hot or producing an unexpected smell or noise.
Follow transport rules
Lithium batteries are regulated for transport. Obtain carrier or manufacturer guidance before posting or shipping one.
Do not post returns without approval
Contact HPD or HiKOKI first. The correct collection or return route must be agreed before a battery is sent.
If a battery is smoking, hissing or on fire
Move away, warn others and call the emergency services. Do not take personal risks attempting to handle or transport a failing battery.
Responsible disposal
Never put tools or batteries in household rubbish
The crossed-out wheelie-bin symbol means the product must be collected separately. Electrical products and batteries contain materials that can be recovered, while damaged lithium-ion batteries can create fires in bins, vehicles and waste facilities.
Separate removable batteries
Where the product instructions permit, remove the battery and recycle it through the appropriate battery route.
Protect lithium terminals
Government guidance recommends taping lithium battery terminals before recycling to reduce short-circuit and fire risk.
Use an authorised collection route
Use a household waste recycling centre, suitable battery collection point or applicable retailer take-back service.
Ask before returning damaged batteries
Do not place damaged batteries in the post or leave them at an unsuitable collection point. Obtain specific instructions first.
Authoritative information
Official safety and environmental resources
HiKOKI UK
Manufacturer safety information
Access current HiKOKI health, safety, environmental and product-document information.
Open HiKOKI guidance → UK Health and Safety ExecutiveHand-arm vibration guidance
Employer duties, practical controls, exposure information and HSE resources.
Open HSE guidance → Product-specificInstruction manuals
Find the manual and warnings for your exact HiKOKI product and specification.
Find product documents →Safety FAQs
Common questions
What do the vibration figures in a tool specification mean?
The declared vibration value helps compare tools and estimate exposure, but actual exposure also depends on the task, accessory, material, tool condition and daily trigger time. Employers should complete a suitable risk assessment and use current HSE guidance.
What are the UK hand-arm vibration action and limit values?
The HSE states a daily exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8), where employers should introduce measures to reduce exposure, and a daily exposure limit value of 5.0 m/s² A(8), which must not be exceeded.
Can I keep using a damaged lithium-ion battery?
Do not use or charge a battery that is damaged, modified, unusually hot, swollen, leaking or behaving abnormally. Isolate it from combustible materials where this can be done safely and obtain appropriate professional disposal or manufacturer guidance.
Can power tools and batteries go in household rubbish?
No. The crossed-out wheelie-bin symbol means electrical equipment and batteries should be taken to an appropriate collection point. Lithium battery terminals should ideally be taped before recycling to reduce short-circuit and fire risk.
Does this page replace the instruction manual or a risk assessment?
No. This page is general signposting only. Follow the manual supplied with the product, applicable law, site rules, training, competent-person advice and a task-specific risk assessment.
Need product-specific guidance?
Find the exact manual before proceeding
Use the model number on the rating plate to locate the correct instructions. If you cannot identify a tool purchased from HPD, contact us with a clear photograph of the rating plate.
