Hand-Arm Vibration
Hand-arm vibration can result from using handheld power tools, such as sanders, chippers, pneumatic drills and hammers, and disc grinders.
Using vibrating tools, such as disc grinders, can result in fatigue and pain.
- Raynaud's syndrome (white finger). This condition can occur when repeated vibration damages the blood vessels in the hands over time. Symptoms include intermittent numbness and tingling in the fingers; pale, ashen, and cold skin; and eventual loss of sensation and control in the hands and fingers.
- Using vibrating tools may also result in fatigue, pain, numbness, increased sensitivity to cold, and decreased sensitivity to touch in fingers, hands, and arms.
Use the following practices to minimize vibration transmitted from power tools to the hands:
- Tool maintenance should be performed on a regular basis.
- Oiling and cleaning tools daily increase tool life and reduce vibration.
- Out-of-balance or off-center grinding wheels, pads, and spindles are major contributors to vibration.
- Some tools use auto-balancing technology to compensate for off-center pads/wheels.
- Tools should be gripped as lightly as possible while still maintaining control of the tool.
- Cold hands are more vulnerable to the effects of vibration.
- Select anti-vibration gloves that minimize the loss of tactile sensitivity.
- Many low-vibration tools are commercially available, such as grinders, sanders, and impact wrenches.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. If you feel numbness and tingling in your hands after using vibrating tools, what condition might this indicate?
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