Hand Vibration
Hand and arm vibration can result from using hand-held 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 occurs when blood vessels of the hand are damaged from repeated exposure to vibration for a long period of time. The skin and muscles do not get the necessary oxygen from the blood and eventually die. Symptoms include intermittent numbness and tingling in the fingers; pale, ashen, and cold skin; 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.
Here are some points to remember to make sure power tools minimize vibration being transmitted to the hands:
- Tool maintenance should be performed on a regular basis.
- Oiling and cleaning tools daily increases the life of the tool and reduces 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 hand that uses vibrating tools, what condition might this indicate?
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