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Posted By Robert S Woods
I don’t deal with vibration issues day to day so I hope you can forgive me for asking the following questions.
Do the vibration regulations cover the use of hammers and chisels or just the use of powered tools?
We have had some measurements taken from people who use hammers and chisels to split stone. However they were asked to repeatedly strike the chisel with the hammer for 1 minute, i.e 50-70 times. The actual number of times they would strike the chisel is 10 per minute. The vibration readings were through the roof but are typically six times too high based on normal operation which would bring them below the EAV. Am I correct in thinking that the measurements are not valid? Could the actual vibration levels be calculated based on the measurement dived by six (10 strikes)?
Hope the above can be understood and I look forward to your input?
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Posted By holmezy
Robert,
The COVAW regs state that they apply to ALL hand tools, however, in my opinion, to include all non powered tools would be stretching it a bit far. There may be some exceptions but I wouldn't consider a hammer and chisel to come under the regs.
The measurements you got from your monitoring of the hammer and chisel are not representative of how the tools are used, I would doubt anyone could strike a chisel 60 odd times a minute and would guess 15-30 times a minute is more realistic so your actual trigger time would be alot less than that as the impact of the hammer on the chisel is fractions of a second. Other factors, for example, grip strength will influence the amount of vibration. Our stonemasons tend to use a light grip almost use the hand as a "guide" so again the vibration is reduced.
You can't just divide the results by a factor of 6 or whatever as the origional calculations are exponential by vitue of a "squared" factor so in reality, the actual readings would be lower still.
I would not overly worry about the hammer and chisel as I think its a very low risk. Your chaps are likely to develope muscle aches for the first few days of chiselling but once the muscles have adapted to the usage, and their arms are like Popeye's then there should be few problems.
Still need to make them aware of the symptoms, allow ample rest, gloves, exercise, keep warm etc.
Holmezy
Can we count today as a Friday?
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Posted By Robert S Woods
Thanks holmezy,
for the plain English and relevant advice.
They did measurements of a scapeling maul (sledge hammer) at the head of the hammer and at the handle, which lead me to believe this wasn't what they were used to measuring; hence my question are non power tools covered bt the regs.
The chaps involved have been doing this for years and are all well aware of the risks from HAVs and none has any symptoms.
We are going to go down the route of health surveillance anyway.
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Posted By Angus232
Last year I undertook safety training for slate workers. Particularly splitters who use hammers and chisels on a daily basis. All have long term/permanent problems with wrists and upper arms!!
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Posted By holmezy
Angus / Robert
I'm not for one second saying that the use of hammers and chisels is risk free. Users are at risk from a range of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders ranging from tenosynovitis, muscle bruising, neck problems, carpal tunnel, rsi etc. However, these are unlikely to be caused by vibration. They may be aggravated by vibration so the chaps need to be aware of symptoms, take regular breaks, keep warm, exercise etc etc. Trying to measure the vibration levels on a hammer is not practicable due to the multitude of variables in way of use, physical effort, grip, impact tools etc. I dont believe the COVAW regs were written with hammers in mind.
Might be completely wrong though.....
Holmezy
Soon be time for a beer and a long weekend...
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Posted By Ali
As far as I know it's mainly restricted to power tools as the vibration emissions are generated intrinsically and not by the operator(as with hand tools). Hence, all vibrating tools should come with a vibration emission rating and I very much doubt that hammers and chisels carry any such rating. For more guidance check out the HSE website. Also, for the last contributor don't get confused between rsi and havs !
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Posted By Ali
Sorry, I meant Angus 232
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Posted By Angus232
Not confused - pointing out that there is more to consider!
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Posted By Ali
Point taken :)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
hand-held Impact Tools and processes are covered by the Regs.
Your problem is more I think more with inappropriate sampling/measurement.
Some of the more modern meters do "demand" a minimum 60 second input, but it is perfectly feasible to measure in real time and factor accordingly.
The equivalent "trigger time" for the hand held impact will be measured in a fraction of a second and will give a drastic reduction in any A(8) value in comparison to factoring a 60 second unrealistic 'burst' activity.
Asking people to repeatedly strike something heavy at such a frequency is more likely to cause a serious injury and is surely ill-advised.
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