Power tool vibrate

Reduced vibration power tools reduce the amount of vibration transmitted through the handles of the machine and onto the person using the equipment.

Risk of injury related to use of vibrating tools is related to the level of vibration and the amount of time that the tool is used. If the vibration level of a tool is reduced, then workers can use that tool for a longer period of time and the risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome is reduced. Studies have shown that hand-arm vibration syndrome HAVS occurs in people with exposure to hand-arm vibration.

However, there is not specific research to demonstrate the effect of reduced vibration power tools on preventing HAVS. Health and safey experts believe that any reduction in exposure to hand-arm vibration could be beneficial in preventing new cases of HAVS.

Tools and processes that create excessive hand-arm vibration to users workers may have an impact on production and maintenance, which may impact schedule or cost.

Products may be more costly to produce and maintain due to effects of HAV on skilled production workers. Anti-vibration tools Anti-vibration tools are general tools that may be found at your local hardware store or directly from the manufacturer's website. Almost every job requires the use of vibrating hand tools, but there is usually a simple, inexpensive solution that can reduce the risk of injury. NUCA stands for the National Utility Contractors Association — the leading trade association working solely for the utility construction and excavation industry in the United States.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Your Name:. Your Email Address:. Your Website Address:. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

This eventually leads to further disruptions to daily life such as sleep disturbance and distress. In some cases, workers with HAVS must leave their professions to avoid more hand and arm damage. Tool vibration is a problem in many industries including construction, forestry, engineering, vehicle repair and manufacturing, outdoor maintenance work and utility work.

Common tools that vibrate include chainsaws, impact drills, grinders, scaling hammers, powered saws, sanders and polishers. Less obvious vibrating machinery like lawnmowers and floor polishers can also cause HAVS, as can any piece of equipment in a workplace that vibrates while operating. A recent study even found that vibrating video game controllers can lead to HAVS, so workers should be aware of all kinds of exposure to vibration that they face! While specific OSHA regulations for hand-arm vibration do not exist in the United States, European standards offer helpful information about exposure limits.

The European exposure limit value ELV is based on a combination of factors including the amount of vibration at the location where a worker grips a vibrating tool and the amount of time spent gripping the tool. This safe amount of time is called trigger time. Tools that vibrate at low frequencies often cause more damage than those that operate at higher frequencies. Vibration restricts the blood supply to the hand s and fingers, which, depending on the vibration level and duration of exposure, can contribute to an injury.

In fact, on occasion, I have noticed it while using my chainsaw or while riding my motorcycle in the spring. Vibration-induced injury starts with the occasional numbness or loss of color in the fingertips. As the injury progresses, the hand s and fingers develop a tingling sensation and begin to feel spongy.

Typical attacks occur when a person is cold, emotionally upset or when using tools or equipment that vibrates repeatedly or for long periods of time. Symptoms usually include:. As the disorder gets worse, the attacks become stronger and more frequent. Therefore, it is important for the worker to recognize the signs and symptoms and report them to management so action can be taken to fix or eliminate the problem.