Why vibration resistant gloves are critical in minimising risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Vibration from using power tools and other vibrating machinery can lead to the dangerous condition of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which,
Why vibration resistant gloves are critical in minimising risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Vibration from using power tools and other vibrating machinery can lead to the dangerous condition of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which, if left untreated, can potentially require the amputation of the fingers or hand.
A Safe Work Australia fact sheet on HAVS states that the condition is “commonly experienced by workers who regularly use tools such as jackhammers, chainsaws, grinders, drills, riveters and impact wrenches”. The UK Government Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states workers who are particularly at risk are those who use hammer action tools for more than 15 minutes each day.
HAVS is a grouping of specific disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ‘tennis elbow’ and painful ‘vibration white finger’ – when the fingers go white, usually triggered by years of exposure to vibration and prompted by cold conditions. Symptoms may include tingling and numbness in the fingers, loss of strength or pain in the hands or arms.
Safe Work Australia states that these symptoms occur because exposure to vibration can cause “disrupted circulation in the hand and forearm and/or damage to nerves and tendons, muscles, bones and joints of the hand and arm.”
The UK HSE states that the damage caused by excessive exposure to vibration is irreversible, but that it is preventable with simple and cost effective measures.
Further, many modern tools have a vibration magnitude rating (in m/s2) that enable the determination of the level of vibration users are subjected to during use. Armed with this information, the UK HSE hand arm vibration calculator and ready reckoner enables assessment of safe use. However caution is needed. OHSonline states that the m/s2 quoted by manufacturers pertains to an “as-new” tool and that age and wear of a tool and accessories can double the vib