

Solution: Moldable Tool Grips

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	Description:	Moldable tool grips are engineering controls that may help to reduce forceful hand and wrist activities. A custom tool grip, such as My Grip™, is a moldable material that can be applied to tool handles. The new tool grip allows the worker to operate the tool with greater hand comfort while using less grip force. Greater hand comfort and decreased grip force will diminish fatigue, thereby reducing possible mistakes and injuries. My Grip™, is a 5 X 5 inch formable material that becomes pliable when placed in hot water. Once pliable, the material is wrapped around a tool handle and squeezed to leave the impression of the person’s hand on the tool handle (Figure 1). Although not all tool handle wraps are reusable, My Grip™ can be remolded. Figure 1. My Grip applied to a hammer. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Forceful hand and wrist activities, awkward postures of the wrist and other joints, and contact stress.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Moldable tool handle wraps can improve the contact area between the hand and tool handle, and can reduce exposure to uncomfortable contact stresses to the hand. Also, wraps may reduce the amount of grip force required to operate a tool and perform a particular task. Finally, wraps may make it possible to perform a task while maintaining neutral, comfortable postures of the wrist, elbow, or other joints.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	FastCap^® claims that My Grip™ minimizes exposure to forceful exertions, awkward postures, and contact stresses that cause hand fatigue. There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using My Grip™ on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. Regardless, health and safety experts believe that workers will be less likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders if they use ergonomic hand tools, due to reduced exposure to known risk factors. Independent studies have shown an association between musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors such as forceful exertions of the wrist and hand, awkward wrist postures, and contact stresses (increased pressure concentrated in a small area of the hand). Ergonomic hand tools lessen forceful exertions, awkward postures, or contact stresses compared to the standard versions of the same tool, according to some studies.
	Effects on Productivity:	Using the appropriate tool with ergonomic features can improve productivity because workers may be able to complete tasks more quickly and with fewer mistakes. This increased productivity may be due to reduced muscle fatigue, fewer mistakes, the ability to use more powerful gripping positions, and less lost time due to worker musculoskeletal illnesses.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because: 1) workers can use tools for longer periods with fewer breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries. Independent studies of hand tools have found that the interaction of the hand tool, operators, workplace, work organization, and work task influence work efficiency and high product quality.
	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:	Fast Cap™ For purchasing information, visit http://www.fastcap.com or contact at 1-888-443-3748.
	Additional Considerations:	My Grip™ advertisements state that the material helps to reduce exposure to hand-arm vibration. However, it is not clear from the website if the vibration dampening properties of the material comply with ISO 13753-1998 guidelines.
	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