Hand-arm vibration is the vibration that is transmitted from a work process or tool into the arms and hands of the worker. It can be caused by operating hand-guided tools or hand-held power tools. Holding materials while being processed by machines can also cause HAV. Hand Arm Vibration Testing is made on the equipment or tool to determine the exposure values and vibration type.
A Britool or Desoutter tool supplier can do the hand arm vibration testing for the company, but there are also third-party providers that offer to do the HAV testing for a fee. It is important for companies to ensure that their workers are safe, and the risks of HAVs are reduced.
What is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome?
It should be noted that HAV syndrome is an industrial condition that affects thousands of workers. The disorder affects the nerves, muscles, joints, and blood vessels of the hands, arm, and wrist. It is caused by long-term and excessive exposure to tools and equipment that vibrate or holding materials that shake.
Some symptoms of HAV syndrome is numbness in the fingers that can cause disturbance of sleep; pins and needles; reduced sensitivity of your touch; lowered strength in the hands; pains; and fingers becoming white.
Tools that Require Hand Arm Vibration Testing
There are lots of equipment and power tools that require Hand Arm Vibration Testing because they can lead to the development of HAV syndrome. Some of the common tools include concrete breakers, grinders, sanders, hammer drills, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, needle guns, powered mowers, and chipping hammers, just to name a few.
How Hand Arm Vibration Testing is Done
The first step of the Hand Arm Vibration Testing is to ensure that the tools are safe to use and in good working order. If the tool is unsafe, then the test will not be done. Then the test is done by mounting an accelerometer next to the trigger. There are instances in which two or three tests are made to find out the highest vibration figure. The tester will try his best to replicate how the tool is utilised on the actual work site.
A Desoutter and Britool Tool Supplier can provide vibration data on the tools they have to offer. But caution must be taken because the values might not represent the results that the company might get when using the tool in the work place. In most cases, the vibration values provided by the manufacturer are lower than actual work place values. The difference between the values is due to the different applications, accessories, and processes used with the tool, and how the operator utilises it.