Recent improvements in battery technology have meant that battery-powered tools are becoming more common in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the likely impact on the hand-arm vibration exposures of workers using battery-powered hand-held power tools. HSE worked with manufacturers to identify six different types of machine most commonly used in industry and for each of these obtained comparable battery-powered and alternative traditionally-powered versions (combustion-engine, pneumatic or electric). Each machine type underwent a series of tests, which replicated typical real use. Testing took place at manufacturer’s test facilities and at the HSE’s laboratory. The vibration total values for comparable machines were assessed to determine whether the battery-powered tool, in general, produced lower or higher emissions than equivalent alternatively powered version of the same tool. The battery- powered chain-saws and impact wrenches tested produced lower vibration total values than the equivalent alternatively-powered tools. This was not observed for the cut-off saws, reciprocating saws, angle grinders or drills;​ in these cases, either there was no consistent relationship between vibration emission data and tool power source or the data depended on the activity and inserted tool used. Overall, the data shows that for the tools tested, it is not possible to advise employers that battery-powered tools are in all cases a low-vibration alternative option. HSE guidance for users of hand-held power tools – regardless of how they are powered – remains unchanged;​ find the tools that are suitable for the job and then avoid those with unnecessarily high vibration.