

Solution: Powered Pipe Reaming and Deburring

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	Description:	Powered pipe reaming and deburring tools are engineering controls that help reduce repetitive and stressful hand and wrist motions. The tool is available as an accessory bit for power drills or as a portable powered machine, and is used to quickly remove burrs from the cut end of a pipe. There are two primary types of powered reamers and deburrers. The first type is an accessory bit that can be used in cordless or regular drills. The second type is a copper cut and prep machine that cuts, cleans, deburrs, and reams copper pipe in a workshop or on the job site. Accessory bit style reamers and deburrers come in many different shapes and sizes to accommodate the pipe or tubing being used. They are small and convenient to carry. Reamers are available to remove a broken pipe from a fitting. Copper cut and prep machines are portable units capable of cutting, reaming, deburring, and cleaning copper pipe. They rotate at up to 450 rpms and can cut and prep pipe from ½” to 2” in diameter. Cutting blades last up to 10,000 cuts and all brushes, reamers, and cutting bits can be replaced. A smaller version is available that weighs 50 lbs and has a carry handle so it can be used at a job site. Shown are two accessory bit style reamers and a copper cutting and prep machine. Taken from www.ridgid.com, www.wheelerrex.com, and www.toolup.com More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Stressful hand and wrist activity
	How Risks are Reduced:	Accessory bit style reamers eliminate the need for repetitive wrist motions and allow the worker to maintain a neutral grip while the drill bit spins. Cut and prep machines also allow the user to maintain a neutral grip because the worker is holding the pipe while the machine’s reamer, brush, or cutting wheel rotates. An added advantage of the copper cut and prep machines is they avoid the repetitive wrist motions normally associated with cutting copper pipe.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using powered reaming and deburring tools. However, forceful and repetitive hand exertions have been shown to be associated with MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and muscle strains (Bernard et al., 1997; Thomsen et al., 2007). Safety and health experts believe that automating repetitive hand and wrist movements helps to decrease risk of hand and wrist related MSDs.
	Effects on Productivity:	Powered pipe reaming and deburring will increase productivity.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Powered reamers and deburrers spin at up to 450 rpm which is considerably faster than a worker can ratchet or spin a handheld device. Furthermore, cut and prep machines can be carried to the worksite. Wheeler-Rex Manufacturing claims that the Pipe Hog™ reamer, “Saves time and material. Pays for itself in one use.” Reed Manufacturing also claims their plastic pipe reamers, “save time and material costs,” because workers can reuse fittings.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Wheeler-Rex Manufacturing For purchasing information visit www.wheelerrex.com or contact at 1-440-998-2788 RIDGID Professional Tools For purchasing information visit www.ridgid.com or contact at 1-800-474-3443 Reed Manufacturing Company For purchasing information visit www.reedmfgco.com or contact at 1-800-666-3691
	Additional Considerations:	Many pipe reamers allow workers to remove a broken pipe from a fitting or vice versa. Replacement saves time and money because removal of the entire piping system is not necessary, and a worker can simply replace the broken pieces. Workers should not attempt to use power drills with hand reamers. Hand reamers are not manufactured for use with power drills and will dig into the material at an uncontrollable rate, potentially causing injury to the worker.
	Hazards Addressed:	Pipes & Vessels Cut, thread, hammer and bend pipes and vessel tubes Stressful hand & wrist activity Deburr and grind pipes and vessel tubes Stressful hand & wrist activity Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe Stressful hand & wrist activity