Occupational vibration syndrome Exposure, standards, surveillance Department of Occupational Medicine Finnish Institute of Occupational Health Markku Sainio Markku Vanhanen

Occupational vibration Periodic motion of a body in alternate opposite directions from a position of rest Mathematical "vector quantity"= described by both a direction and a magnitude directions of vibration acceleration Present in most work settings where mechanical equipment is used

Measurements and standards ACGIH TLVs 1984 4 m/s2 < 8 hours a day 6 m/s2 < 6 hours a day 8 m/s2 < 2 hours a day 12 m/s2 < 1 hour a day ISO 5349 (1986) Standard for measurements over frequencies from 5 to 1500 Hz Mitä laatua käytetään, millaiset tasot aih tautia, impact vibration (high impulsiveness) important!

Dose-response curves and threshold limits are not applicable to all tools are derived from chain-saw data do not take into account impulsiveness and high frequency of many tools

Directive 2002/44/EC… .. on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration)... daily (8 h) exp. limit value 5 m/s2 daily exp. action limit value 2,5 m/s2

Prevalence of white finger symptoms In Finnish forest workers: 40% in 1972 7% in 1980

HAV as occupational disease in Finland 1990-2002 ROD FIOH 2001-2002 34 16 1999-2000 32 16 1997-98 38 17 1995-96 37 7 1993-94 44 18 1990-92 (3 yrs) 92 37

Occupations (FIOH 1990-2002) Chain saw work 22 Construction worker 17 Miners+ drillers 15 Machine work,-repair, tool makers 10 Welders 6 Pipework 4 Railroad or road work 4 Stonework 3 1-2 : dental technician, teacher, painter, manufacture of diff. devices, plastics worker etc.

Exposure Vibration level, acceleration, frequency, impulses Duration, continuity Radiation of the vibration (tool weight, grip strength, hand position, exposure area) Temperature Clothing

Exposure Vibration level of a tool may be difficult to estimate without proper measurements Duties to the manufacturers of tools and to employers on informing and measuring the levels and on employee protection and information

Health surveillance Periodic health examinations in occupational health units at 1-3 year intervals, depending on vibration levels and duration Symptoms Clinical examination If symptoms, referral to FIOH, for example

Prevention Decrease exposure to minimum Stop smoking technical improvements of tools minimum exposure time clothing, gloves, temperature, pauses etc. Maintenance of knowledge on vibration levels of tools in use, especially new ones Stop smoking Periodic health examinations

Prevention Decrease exposure to minimum Temperature Stop smoking technical improvements of tools minimum exposure time gloves etc. Maintenance of knowledge on vibration levels of new tools taken into use Temperature Stop smoking Periodic health examinations