subject: Health Hazards Due to Insufficient Vibration Testing [print this page] Health Hazards Due to Insufficient Vibration Testing
More and more occupational health professionals are recommending industries to set up vibration testing systems to track vibration levels and cut down on risks of continued use of vibratory tools by labor. Vibrations from tools such as chain saws, pneumatic drills, hammer rills, pile drivers, concrete pokers, needle guns etc, can have hazardous effects on the health of labor in the long run.
Exposure to excessive levels of vibration can cause a range of injuries collectively known as HAVS or Raynaud's syndrome. Using vibrating tools or holding a vibrating work piece for an extended period of time typically causes the repetitive stress injury form of Vibration White Fingers. There are several risk factors and hazards that can increase the likelihood of developing vibration white finger or even full body vibration syndrome. Hand-arm vibration can damage blood vessels, nerves in the fingers, bones and muscles.
It is only for a manufacturing unit or industry that uses heavy equipment to employ vibration testers and identify every source of vibration from all equipment and derive at average "vibration exposure" of a worker, with the help of vibration testing systems. If the overall exposure to vibrations exceeds the established limits, employers can either reduce vibration levels or exposure times of the worker. Employers can display results of vibration tests and the risks involved in working on certain equipments, establish best practices to minimize exposure to vibrations and measures to reduce health hazards.
Vibration testing takes into account certain factors to verify the risk levels. Daily exposure to the equipment in combination to the exposure time and vibration level is relevant. It also takes into account the trigger time, which means the actual duration for which the equipment is in the hand of the operator for use.
High-level vibrations can be contained by taking certain measures such as, maintaining standards in case of replacement equipment, by regularly undergoing vibration tests, maintaining equipment in good condition, providing a sturdy work area or ground where necessary, and selecting machinery with low vibration emission limits. Setting a strong vibration testing system will also play a significant role in maintaining tools and avoid worsening of vibrations. Regular vibration tests will allow you to keep track of the state of your equipment, and replace vibration mounts before they are worn out. Risk of vibration related health syndromes could also be reduced by job rotations and training.
