HAND-ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME

The other day I had some pain in my wrist. I had been working on a piece with the air hammer and hand tools. This pain lingered for days. For over 40 years, 30 years as a Pile Driver, I have subjected my body to bad vibrations. Chain saws, rivet busters ( small jackhammers), large jackhammers, needle scalers, air drills, impact wrenches, pile hammers, vibratory pile hammers, claw hammers, sledge hammers, and many more tools have exposed my body to a multitude of vibrations. On occasion I have fingers that turn white (vibration white finger, or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, HAVS ) , joint pain in my wrist and elbow, especially in my right arm. Some of these ailments are caused by vibrations from the tools that I have used. Unlike falling down and breaking a bone these injuries are “chronic” they accumulated over time.

Prevention is the best way to prevent vibration damage to your body, treatment after the fact is far far to late. As with many safety related subjects, the first and best way to prevent injuries is to modify the source or cause of the  injury. Then and only then, if the danger can’t be removed, should Personal Protective Equipment be used as the primary injury  prevention measure.

Health Risks from Hand-Arm Vibration Advice for Employers

The notes at Prevention-of-HAVS-in-the-Workplace.html suggest:

1. Replace older tools with minimal to no vibration use tools that are ergonomically designed, anti-vibration isolators, or tools with vibration-dampening handles
2. Take a break from use of vibrating tools every hour, or rotate between vibrating and non-vibrating tools
3. Keep tools sharpened and in good working condition
4. Don’t grasp tools tightly
5. Wear tight fitting, padded gloves. Invest in specially designed gloves that absorb shock and dampen vibration
6. In cold and wet weather, keep clothing dry and warm

A few things that will help prevent HAVS

1) Keep the cold exhaust from your air tool away from your body.

2) Take breaks: 10 minutes per hour to allow your circulation to return.

3) Use another type of tool that has less vibration. 

4) Keep warm, if you get cold your circulation is poorer. Stop warm up and then return to work.

5) Wear vibration dampening gloves. They say that the ones with half fingers are not good.

 Trow and Holden sells  the following:  Air tool comfort grip, double comfort grip, chisel tiller, and comfort sleeve. Has anyone used them? Are they any good? Can you get any work done using them?

Pneumatic Tools, Chisels & Accessories