Hand/Arm Vibration Awareness! Alberta Oil Tool's #Safety Moment of the Week 27-Jun-2016

1. Hand/Arm Vibration Awareness
Safety Moment of the Week
June 26th – July 2nd, 2016
What is hand–arm vibration?
Hand–arm vibration (HAV) is vibration transmitted to the hand and arm during the
operation of hand-held power tools and hand-guided equipment, or holding
materials being processed by machines. Hand–arm vibration is commonly
experienced by workers who regularly use tools such as jackhammers, chainsaws,
grinders, drills, riveters and impact wrenches.
Health Effects;
Exposure to HAV can result in disrupted circulation in the hand and forearm and/or
damage to nerves and tendons, muscles, bones and joints of the hand and arm. It
can cause a range of conditions collectively known as hand–arm vibration syndrome
(HAVS) and specific disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ‘tennis elbow’ and
‘vibration white finger’ (pictured below).
What are the early signs and symptoms to look out for?
• Tingling and numbness in the fingers (which can cause sleep disturbance).
• Not being able to feel things with your fingers.
• Loss of strength in your hands (you may be less able to pick up or hold heavy
objects).
• In the cold and wet, the tips of your fingers going white then red and being
painful on recovery (vibration white finger).
If you ignore the symptoms and continue to use high-vibration tools these
symptoms will most likely increasingly get worse.
How to protect yourself;
• Report any symptoms immediately to your Supervisor / Manager.
• Restrict the use of high vibration tools - ask to use suitable low-vibration tools.
• Always use the right tool for each job (to do the job more quickly and expose you
to less hand-arm vibration).
• Check tools before using them to make sure they have been properly maintained
and repaired to avoid increased vibration caused by faults or general wear.
• Make sure cutting tools are kept sharp so that they remain efficient.
• Reduce the amount of time you use a tool in one go, by doing other jobs in
between.
• Avoid gripping or forcing a tool or workpiece more than you have to.
• Store tools so that they do not have very cold handles when next used.
• Encourage good blood circulation by:
• Keeping warm and dry (where necessary, wear gloves, waterproofs and
use heating pads if available);
• Giving up or cutting down on smoking because smoking reduces blood
flow; and
• Massaging and exercising your fingers during work breaks.

2. Safety Moment of the Week
June 26th
– July 2nd,
2016
Hand / Arm Vibration Awareness
Factors influencing the effects of exposure to HAV
The longer a worker using tools is exposed to HAV, the greater the risk of developing HAVS.
Exposure to hand–arm vibration can be increased by factors such as:
Tool characteristics:
- Higher magnitude of acceleration of vibration
- Poor tool maintenance
- Minimal handle insulation
- Increased weight of tool
- Increased surface area of hand in contact with tool
- Harder material being contacted
Work organization:
- Long exposure during each work shift and years of exposure
- Lower duration and frequency of rest periods
- Lower temperature of work environment
Individual’s characteristics:
- Gripping the handle more tightly than needed
- Awkward postures and working overhead
- Low operator skill; poor technique
- Individual lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking)
- An individual’s medical history (e.g. disease or prior injury to fingers, hands or wrists).
Tips for reducing harmful exposure
One of the simplest work practices is holding the tool with only the amount of force that’s required to keep it safely
under control. People who grip a tool with a death grip increase the vibration coupling. They also fatigue
themselves more quickly.
- Workers should prevent continuous exposure by taking frequent short breaks or by using regular task
rotation.
- Anti or low vibration tools should be purchased and used that are appropriate for the job.
- Keep the hands warm
- Keep cold exhaust air from pneumatic tools away from the hands.
- Seek medical attention if HAVS symptoms appear.
- Alternate between using vibrating and non-vibrating tools.
Gloves should be worn that entirely cover the fingers but should not be relied upon to provide protection from
vibration. They only provide protection from cold temperatures, water, and cuts and abrasions. The use of thick
gloves may worsen exposure by workers applying increased grip forces to the tool and increase transmitted
vibration.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome can take six months to six years to develop and, after the fingers blanch, the
condition is irreversible, therefore, prevention is crucial.