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| Solution: Reduced Vibration Power Tools |
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| Description: |
Some hand-held power tools can produce a lot of vibration. Certain tools generate vibration levels so high thay they can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the worker's hands. Workers are at a greater risk of developing a vibration-related injury if they use vibrating power tools often or for long periods of time. These injuries can be prevented, but there is no cure once damage has been done. One solution is to use reduced vibration power tools. Many tools are now available that are designed to produce less vibration. Reduced vibration tools should always be used with full-fingered anti-vibration gloves that are certified to meet international vibration standards (ISO 10819). The photos below offer an example of work with power tools that emit vibration, along with a image of gloves that can be used to reduce the risk to workers who use such tools: |
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| Risks Addressed: | Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is sometimes called "vibration white finger" and in extreme cases can even lead to gangrene. This type of vibration exposure is caused by the regular use of vibrating pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, or gasoline-powered hand tools. | ||
| How Risks are Reduced: |
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. Quality of Evidence
Companies such as Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Black & Decker have produced power tools that are specially designed to produce less vibration in order to minimize the harmful effects associated with hand-arm vibration. |
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| Effects on Productivity: |
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. Quality of Evidence
Companies such as Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Black & Decker have produced power tools that are specially designed to produce less vibration. |
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| Return on Investment: | No specific calculation ROI information exists for this particular solution, however, there are some general approaches that might be useful for a “Return On Investment” analysis. For a general discussion of these approaches, visit our “Return on Investment Calculation” page. | ||
| Availability: | Where to Get It Reduced vibration power tools are available from many major manufacturers. Some manufacturers' websites have vibration exposure calculators, such as DeWalt Power Tools (www.dewalt.co.uk/vibration) and Milwaukee Tools (www.milwaukeetoolvibration.com). General information on tool vibration, and additional vibration exposure calculators, are available from:
Equipment like that described may be available from local retailers or rental companies. Approximate Cost Reduced vibration power tools are available for purchase and rental. Contact the tool manufacturer or representative for prices. Anti-vibration work gloves usually cost $40-50. |
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| Additional Considerations: |
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| Sources: | Albers, James T., and Estill, Cheryl F. Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers. DHHS (NIOSH) Publications. March 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh. To view the Table of Contents for the Simple Solutions Document, please visit: http://www.cpwr.com/simple.html. Please send requests for copies of this publication to cdcinfo@cdc.gov, referencing document number 2007-122. |
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