Handheld equipment and vibration CAKE

Health effects Acute effects Reduced blood flow Reduced sensitivity Problems with performing precision tasks Time to regain Chronological effects HAVS: Permanent damage on blood vessels, nerves, muscles and joints (ledd) Raynaud`s phenomenon Limited medical treatment Carpal tunnel syndrome Conditions which may induce hand and arm vibrations: Cold weather and moisture Smoking (nikotin), Chewing tobacco Stress Diabetes Medications for circulatory disorders

Regulations Action limit; vibration level when measures must be taken Upper limit; this limit should not be exceeded, the work must stop CAKE poster

Examples of different equipments vibration level Information regarding vibration level is to be found in the equipment`s information sheet. Remember to multiply with 2 to get a realistic picture, since the manufacturers measurements are performed on brand new equipment under different circumstances. Examples can be; Needle gunning with vibration level 15m/s²: 15*2=30m/s² gives 3 minutes/13 minutes to reach yellow/red zone respectively High pressure washing with vibration level 5m/s²: 5*2=10 m/s² gives 28 minutes/2 hours to reach yellow/red zone respectively

What can we do to prevent negative health effects? PPE and technique: Correct working technique Use suspension system to reduce the weight of the equipment Limit the time to use the equipment/working rotation Use warm gloves when temperature is below 16 C Gloves which reduces the vibration pressure Technical actions: Good maintenance of the equipment reduces the vibration level Upgrade to an handle which reduces the vibrations When procuring new equipment consider the vibration level, choose equipment with low vibration level Let the machine do the work, do not push to hard

For more information on health related risks due to vibrations see also: Norsk olje og gass: /Vibrasjon/Helseskadelige%20vibrasjoner%20-%20gjelder%20det%20meg%20PP-presentasjon.pdf Sinus: