Vibrating tools

Anti-vibration tool holders (HM). Heavy metal is an excellent material for damping torsional vibrations. Tools with longer shafts are typical applications. Examples are turning shanks, boring bars, endmills, grinding quills, pinion type cutter supports, etc. (Fig. 7.20). 

Some data also suggest an increased risk of systemic sclerosis in workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration due to the use of vibrating tools (Bovenzi et al., 2001). 

Vibration typically comes from a powered handtool. Vibration increases force because operators tend to grip the vibrating tool more tightly because it vibrates. 

Vibration Excessive amplitude Loss of grip and control of vibrating tool... 

Shamoto E, Suzuki N, Tsuchiya E, Hori Y, Inagaki H, Yoshino K (2005) Development of 3 DOF ultrasonic vibration tool for elliptical vibration cutting of sculptured surfaces. Ann CIRP 54(l) 321-324... 

Vibration is also associated with noise. Direct vibration through vibrating floors or from vibrating tools can lead to damage to the bones of the feet or hands. 

Bursitis of the elbow commonly occurs from the use of heavy vibrating tools. Sometimes it is also referred to as tennis elbow. 

Vibrating tools Heavy lifting Carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust Asphalt fumes Extreme heat/cold Rain and fog Darkness at night... 

Raynaud s Phenomenon ("White Fingers") in Workers Using Hand-Held Vibrating Tools... 

The grading of the severity of WF symptoms in workers using hand-held vibrating tools was originally made according to the so-called Taylor-Pelmear scale (Taylor et al. 1975). The current internationally used Stockholm scale resulted from a revision which accounts for observations of prevalence in relation to various exposure factors (Gemne et al. 1987) (Table 1). 

Gemne G (1992) Pathophysiology and pathogenesis of disorders in workers using hand-held vibrating tools. In Pelmear P, Taylor W, Wassermann D (eds) Hand-arm vibration. A comprehensive guide for occupational health professionals, chapter 4. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, pp 41-76 Gemne G (1994) Where is the research frontier for hand-arm vibration Scand J Work Environ Health 20[special issue] ... 

Gemne G (1997) Diagnostics of hand-arm system disorders in workers who use vibrating tools. Occup Environ Med 54 ... 

Gemne G, Lundstrom R, Hansson J-E (1993) Disorders induced by work with hand-held vibrating tools. A review of current knowledge for criteria documentation. Arbete och Halsa 6, p 83... 

In Italian forestry workers, the prevalence of HAVS was recently found to be 23% (Bovenzi et al. 1995). The prevalence in chippers was reported as 36% compared with 5% in rammers and 3% in grinders (Harazin and Langauer-Lewowicka 1996). In a Dutch postal survey, an overall prevalence of 17% for HAVS was found among workers exposed to vibration tools (Musson et al. 1989). 

Treatment of the condition is difficult. Withdrawal from contact with vibration tools is most important. 

Drug therapy, e.g. the use of vasodilator drugs, has been tried without much benefit (Matoba 1994). Exposure to vibration may be controlled by the use of vibration dampening and isolation, and the use of anti-vibration tools and gloves. 

Bovenzi M (1990) Medical aspects of the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Int J Industrial Ergonomics 6 61-73 Bovenzi M, Franzinelli A, Mancini R, et al. (1995) Dose-response relation for vascular disorders induced by vibration in the fingers of forestry workers. Occup Environ Med 52 722-730 Cherniack MG (1990) Raynaud s phenomenon of occupational origin. Arch Intern Med 150 519-522 Ekenvdl L (1987) Clinical assessment of suspected damage from hand-held vibrating tools. Scand J Work Environ Health... 

Harazin B, Langauer-Lewowicka H (1996) Raynaud s phenomenon in different groups of workers using handheld vibrating tools. Cent Eur J Public Health 4 130-132 Matoba T (1994) Pathophysiological and clinical picture of hand-arm vibration syndrome in Japanese workers. Nagoya J Med Sci 57[Suppl] 119-26... 

These Regulations are designed to protect persons from the risk to their health and safety of the effects of exposure to vibration. There are two types of vibration, hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration. Regular and frequent exposure to HAV can lead to permanent health effects. This is most likely when contact with a vibrating tool or work process is a regular part of a person s job. Too much exposure to HAV can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder which may involve pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in parts of the hand. 

Dentists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. They experience repetitive hand movements, vibrating tools, and fixed and awkward posturing. Neck, back, hand, and wrist injuries are common. Ergonomic equipment is available for dentists, including specially designed hand instruments, syringes and dispensers, lighting, ms nification tools, and patient chairs. 

The first step in corrosion testing is to correctly identify corrosion specimens. When corrosion specimens need an identifying mark, a vibrating tool can be used. 

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