Permanent disease can result to the hands and arms from the vibration caused by operating powered equipment. Occasional exposure is unlikely to cause ill health but regular and frequent exposure to hand arm vibration from equipment such as: grinders, lawn mowers, hammer drills, road breakers, pneumatic powered hand tools etc. needs to be managed in order to protect operators.

These diseases, are collectively known as HAVS. You may hear them refered to as Vibration White Fingers. Sometimes exposure to hand arm vibration can also result in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. HAVS is progressive and irreversible with the hands becoming permanently disabled. In some cases the onset of these syndromes can be rapid. As one of it's names suggests the most obvious sympton of this injury is the user's fingers blanching white as the injury caused by exposure to vibration restricts the blood supply and causes blanching. Early warning signs of exposure are tingling fingers, numbness and loss of strength in the hands. As the disease progresses the symptoms become permanent and the nerves & blood vessels suffer irreversible damage.

As a reponsible manufacturer Trelawny  SPT Ltd has developed a range of tools with significantly reduced or very low vibration to help you to protect the user from injury. These tools are identified with the name 'Vibro-lo'TM and the associated logo.

 Equipment under the trademark Vibro-loTM (Low Vibration) range of pneumatic/power tools has lead the way in protecting operators against exposure to excessive vibration levels. Trelawny's range of reduced vibration tools and equipment ensure lower HAV risk when compared to other tools with higher vibration readings. 

The Table below shows us the different risks that the tool user is facing with vibration level and duration of exposure.

                Table1. How vibration level and duration affect exposure

(Source: HSE 2005 - 'Control the risks from hand-arm vibration') 

For more information on HAVS please see the UK government website, www.hse.gov.uk/vibration. This contains a lot of useful information and an exposure calculator for employers to use to calculate the daily exposure levels for each worker.

Directives

Because vibration injury is quite common yet avoidable, the EC [European Commission] passed a Directive [i.e. law] in 2002 to protect persons using vibrating equipment from injury caused by vibration.

This law requires employers to reduce worker's exposure to vibration during a working day. The law also requires manufacturers of equipment to use the latest technology and knowledge to reduce vibration at source and to provide information on vibration so that end users can use the equipment safely.

Measure

Vibration is expressed as units of acceleration, m/sec2 over the working day. Workers exposure can therefore be controlled by eliminating the task, reducing 'trigger times' or using vibro-low tools from Trelawny. 

Levels above 5.0 m/sec2 over the working day are not permitted.   

Precautions

Wear gloves, keep your hands warm and dry and ensure good circulation to the fingers.

Don't grip the tools too tightly.

Ensure the tool is well lubricated and the air pressure is correct.

Take regular breaks.

If you experience any tingling or numbness in your hands or fingers, stop immediatly and report this incident to your site manager.

How to use tool & machines safety guide

To ensure safe use and protection from vibration, the tool must be used correctly.

Here are a few reminders to ensure safe working: 

Ensure the correct air pressure and compressor for the tool.

Eliminate moisture (condensation) from the air hose.

Always read the Trelawny Operation & Maintenance manual before starting the tool/machine.

Handle tool correctly, let the tool do the work and do not exert too much force by leaning on it as this will result in significantly high levels of vibration. 

Do not leave the tool/machine running unattended.

Control and check tool/machine's air pressure on a regular basis.

Vibration Information - Vibration Information