Write a toolbox talk on construction, hand vibration syndrote

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# SAFETY WALKAROUND CHECKLIST HAND-ARM VIBRATION (cont.) ## WORK PRACTICES NOTES - Workers use only tools with which they have experience, or on which they have been trained. [1510(b)] - Operators “let the tool do the work" by using the smallest amount of grip force possible (while still maintaining control of the tool). ## PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - If necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the company and worn by workers. The types used are appropriate for the work and give adequate protection. [1514] - Workers using tools always wear safety glasses with side shields or other eye/face protection. Eye and face protection meets the requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z 87.1 1989, American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. [3382(d)(1)] - Gloves and adequate cold weather clothing are worn when necessary. (Cold contributes to hand-arm vibration syndrome.) [1520] - Gloves have vibration-damping material in palms and fingers. They fit properly and don't increase the grip force required to control the tool. - Workers exposed to foot injuries from crushing or penetrating actions, hot surfaces, falling objects, or hazardous substances, or who are required to work in abnormally wet locations, use appropriate foot protection such as steel-toed safety shoes and/or boots. (For jackhammers, workers wear a steel covering over the whole foot, not just the toes.) [3385] - Workers exposed to noise in excess of 90 dB use hearing protection. (Noise contributes to hand-arm vibration syndrome.) [1521(g) and 5096(b)] ## CAL/OSHA ERGONOMICS REGULATION If there has been more than one ergonomic injury within a year to workers doing the same task, the company has set up a program to identify and correct these hazards and provide relevant training. [5110] For more information on power tools in general, see the Checklist on Portable Power Tools. California Tailgate Training H…

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# Hand-arm vibration ## Explain dangers Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is vibration transmitted into workers' hands and arms from work processes such as operating hand-held power tools. Frequent exposure to moderate- and high-intensity HAV can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). HAVS is a general term that refers to the damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and joints in the hands and arms due to HAV. HAVS initially affects the nerves. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. This can be followed by "Raynaud's syndrome" or "vibration white finger". Blood vessels become narrow and the reduced blood flow causes the fingers to become pale, waxy-white, or purplish. HAVS can also cause muscle pain and fatigue, joint stiffness, and loss of manual dexterity. The current HAV limit set by the European Standard (Directive 2002/44/EC) is a daily exposure action value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² and a daily exposure limit value (ELV) of 5 m/s². The EAV is a daily amount of vibration exposure. If workers are exposed to more than the EAV, employers are required to take action to reduce HAV exposure. The ELV is the maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to on any single day. This should never be exceeded. A worker who is exposed to vibration levels above the ELV is considered to be at high risk of developing HAVS. ## Identify controls First, prepare an action plan to deal with the high-risk work tasks. Then, address the medium- and low-risk activities. - Look for alternative work methods that eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration. For example, use an excavating machine rather than a breaker tool to break concrete. - Make sure that the equipment selected for the task is the lowest vibrating tool that is suitable for the task and can do the work efficiently. • Improve the ergonomic design of work stations. Awkward postures can increase the load on employees' hands, wrists, and arms. - Use devices such as jigs and suspension systems to …

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CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK Vibrations caused by power tools, machinery, vehicles, and heavy equipment affect the blood supply to the fingers and toes and can be serious and disabling. ## Kevin's Story Kevin had been a carpenter for 10 years when he began to feel tingling throughout his hand. He noticed that the tips of two of his fingers would turn white and lose feeling. His doctor diagnosed it as Raynaud's syndrome due to vibration from the tools he uses. He told Kevin that because it affects blood circulation and nerves, it could lead to tissue damage and may require surgery. Kevin is now thinking about other job options. - What could Kevin have done to prevent this long-term health problem? * Has anyone you know experienced any of the symptoms Kevin had? If so, what did they do about them? # Vibration: Hand and Arm ## Remember This - Wear gloves or use anti-vibration wraps to improve grip strength and lessen the shock of vibrating tools. ➤ Take regular breaks when using tools that cause vibration ➤ Encourage your employer to ○ Purchase tools, bits, sawblades, and grinding wheels that are designed for reduced vibration. ○ Purchase power equipment that has handles isolated from the vibrating tool. - Perform regular maintenance on tools. - If you are a heavy equipment operator, encourage your employer to provide - Padding on the seat - o Dampening materials on the engine - o Dampening materials on the cab flooring. - Use cutting or power head dampening devices. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent hand and arm injuries from vibration? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (N…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Vibration # Vibration - Health Effects ## On this page What are the health effects of hand- arm vibration? What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome? Is Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin? What are the health effects of whole- body vibration? How much vibration exposure has to accumulate before people are affected? Are there any studies about the combined effect of noise and vibration? Are there laws regarding vibration exposure at work? ## What are the health effects of hand-arm vibration? Vibration-induced health conditions progress slowly. In the beginning, it usually starts as a pain. As the vibration exposure continues, the pain may develop into an injury or disease. Pain is the first health condition that is noticed and should be addressed in order to stop the injury. Vibration-induced white finger is the most common condition among the operators of hand- held vibrating tools. The symptoms of vibration-induced white finger are aggravated when the hands are exposed to cold. Vibration can cause changes in tendons, muscles, bones and joints, and can affect the nervous system. Collectively, these effects are known as hand-arm vibration syndrome. Workers affected by hand-arm vibration syndrome commonly report: - attacks of whitening (blanching) of one or more fingers when exposed to cold - tingling and loss of sensation in the fingers - loss of light touch - pain and cold sensations between periodic white finger attacks - loss of grip strength Vibration - Health Effects CCOHS

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# Anti-Vibration Tools Tools can be designed or mounted in ways that help reduce the vibration level. For example, using anti-vibration chain saws reduces acceleration levels by a factor of about 10. These types of chain saws must be well maintained. Maintenance must include periodic replacement of shock absorbers. Some pneumatic tool companies manufacture anti-vibration tools such as anti-vibration pneumatic chipping hammers, pavement breakers and vibration-damped pneumatic riveting guns. ## Anti-Vibration Gloves Conventional protective gloves (e.g., cotton, leather), commonly used by workers, do not reduce the vibration that is transferred to workers' hands when they are using vibrating tools or equipment. Anti-vibration gloves are made using a layer of viscoelastic material. Actual measurements have shown that such gloves have limited effectiveness. When the vibration hazard cannot be removed or controlled adequately, Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as anti-vibration gloves may be used. ## Safe Work Practices Along with using anti-vibration tools and gloves, workers can reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) by following work practices: - Use a minimum-strength hand grip that still allows the safe operation of the tool or process. - Wear sufficient clothing, including gloves, to keep warm. - Avoid continuous exposure by taking rest periods. - Rest the tool on the workpiece whenever practical. - Do not use faulty tools. Maintain tools properly. Tools that are worn, blunt or out of alignment will vibrate more. - Consult a doctor at the first sign of vibration disease and ask about the possibility of changing to a job with less exposure. Employee Education Vibration - Measurement, Control and Standards CCOHS

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# HAND AND ARM VIBRATION Last Review: 08/01/2025 Date Posted: 09/11/2016 Have you ever had a tingling sensation in your hands after operating a piece of equipment? That tingling is a very mild form of Vibration-induced White Finger (VWF) or Raynaud's phenomenon. Vibration to the extremities can cause constriction of blood vessels and affect nerves and muscles. In moderate cases, personnel can lose dexterity and sensation in their fingers and hands. In severe cases, the constriction reduces blood flow to the fingers, causing them to turn white. In the most extreme cases, VWF can actually lead to the loss of fingers. ## PRIMARY CONTRIBUTORS Cold and vibration. Cold temperatures cause the body to pull blood into the core, resulting in similar symptoms to VWF. Severe extremity vibration, such as the operation of a jack hammer, is a clear hazard; however, even lesser vibration can have a negative effect. Small vibrations over long periods of time can be just as hazardous as large vibrations for short durations. Some examples would be operating a grinder or operating hand controls on shuddering equipment. ## HOW TO PROTECT PERSONNEL Anti-vibration Tools: Many tool manufactures are producing lines of tools that absorb a great deal of the vibration output. This is a good purchase for jobs that require long periods of use. Anti-vibration Gloves: There are many lines of gloves made with vibration-absorbing padding or gel in the palm and fingers. These gloves not only absorb vibration, but also keep the fingers warm, further protecting against VWF. This is an excellent preventive measure when different tools are used throughout the workday (construction sites) or when it is not practicable to stop the vibration in the equipment (large or complex equipment). Proper Work Practices: It is possible to minimize exposure to vibration by establishing work practices that: • Keep the worker and the hands warm during tasks. • Prevent vibration coupling between the work…

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# Anti-Vibration Tools (cont.) ## Safe Work Practices (cont.) Training programs are an effective means of heightening the awareness of HAVS in the workplace. Training should include proper use and maintain vibrating tools to avoid unnecessary exposure to vibration. Vibrating machines and equipment often produce loud noise as well. Therefore, training and education in controlling vibration should also address concerns about noise control. ## Whole-Body Vibration The following precautions help to reduce whole-body vibration exposure: - Limit the time spent by workers on a vibrating surface. - Mechanically isolate the vibrating source or surface to reduce exposure. - Ensure that equipment is well maintained to avoid excessive vibration. - Install vibration damping seats. The vibration control design is an intricate engineering problem and must be set up by qualified professionals. Many factors specific to the individual workstation govern the choice of the vibration isolation material and the machine mounting methods. ## Are there any Canadian regulations or guidelines for vibration exposure? Many Canadian jurisdictions do not have regulations specifically addressing vibration exposure. Others may have adopted occupational exposure limits set by other agencies (such as being covered as a physical agent threshold limit value (TLV)® set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)). It is prudent to reduce the level of exposure as much as practical since vibration causes ill health effects. It is possible to do this by using engineering controls, safe work practices, and protective equipment. The design of vibration-damped equipment and engine mountings are the most effective engineering methods of controlling vibration exposure. In the absence of formal regulations, Canadian agencies often use the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)® and guidelines recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. These TLVs…

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# SAFETY WALKAROUND CHECKLIST HAND-ARM VIBRATION (cont.) ## MEDICAL MONITORING NOTES - Health monitoring is provided for workers exposed to vibration. It includes pre-employment and annual exams. - Health monitoring is conducted by a qualified health provider who is fully aware of the signs and symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The health provider receives detailed information regarding the worker's exposure to vibration. - Any worker who develops prolonged signs and symptoms of hand- arm vibration syndrome is removed from further exposure to vibration. Anyone removed retains all earnings and seniority. ## WORKER TRAINING - Workers who use vibrating tools are trained in the effects of vibration and methods for reducing exposure. [1509] - Training includes information on factors that increase vibration- induced health risks (including cold, noise, and smoking). ## TOOL DESIGN, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE - Non-vibrating tools are used instead of vibrating tools whenever possible. - Tools with vibration-reducing features are purchased and used whenever possible. Tool suppliers are asked to provide evidence that their equipment reduces vibration. - Vibrating tools are equipped with grips made of heavy rubber or similar vibration-damping material. - Tools are inspected daily before use and are kept clean. - Tools are well maintained. They are kept sharp, lubricated, and tuned. (Tools that are worn, out of alignment, or otherwise in poor condition can produce greater vibration.) - Damaged, defective, or worn tools are tagged and removed from service until repaired. [1699(a), 3556(a), and 3556(c)] ## BREAKS - The number of hours in a day, and the number of days in a week, that a worker uses vibrating tools is kept to a minimum. - Operators of vibrating tools take a 10-minute break each hour and/or alternate work with vibrating and non-vibrating tools. California Tailgate Training Hand Arm Vibration-Page 2

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# Conducting Toolbox Talks ## Who should conduct the Toolbox Talks? • Supervisors, foremen, and union stewards are the best people to help plan and deliver Toolbox Talks. • At times, others with a particular expertise or interest, like the company safety officer, project staff, insurance representative, or industrial hygienist may be recruited to lead a talk. Use the completed worksheet for the talk. Read it directly or use the high- lighted points as discussion starters. It's a matter of style. Some people are more comfortable reading the sheet and others like to use their own words. Use the filled in worksheet for a handout and encourage workers to participate. Be prepared to follow up on issues that arise. See the Toolbox Talk Tips below. ## Toolbox Talks Tips • Adults learn best when the topic: - relates to what they do 。 gives them a chance to discuss the issues. • allows them to use what they have learned. • Back up the Toolbox Talk with questions. Ask the group questions about the topic and conditions at the site. Give people a chance to answer. • Ask about personal experience. What are the conditions at this site? Has this issue come up at other sites? How were any problems fixed? • Encourage participation from the group but don't let a single person dominate. Wait till he/she catches their breath, say "Thank You" and move on. • Never make fun of any one and treat all comments seriously. • Respond to all legitimate complaints and make a point to follow up. • If you don't know an answer - say so - make a note of the question and follow up. • Allow a little time for general discussion, e.g. accidents or near misses. This is not a gripe session. SECTION 2 Toolbox Talks for Lead Hazards F-5

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# Vibration white finger ## Explain dangers Vibration white finger, also known as "Raynaud's syndrome", is a disease that makes your fingers turn become pale, waxy-white, or purplish.. It occurs when your hands are exposed to too much vibration from tools and equipment. Vibration white finger damages blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. There are several symptoms: - Numbness and tingling in fingers - Whitening-first your fingertips, then your whole finger • Spasms in fingers - Attacks lasting up to half an hour-often with whiteness changing to deep red and fingers becoming very painful • Permanent loss of feeling in your fingertips • Reduced grip strength - Attacks that become more frequent and painful. Tool and equipment operators are at the most risk. Their hands are often exposed to high levels of vibration. High-vibration equipment includes road drills, chipping hammers, compactors, and chainsaws. Risk depends on the following factors: - How long the vibrating tool or equipment is used - Whether operation is off-and-on or continuous - Workplace temperatures (cold is a major trigger) - Whether or not you smoke (smoking reduces blood flow to your fingers) - The magnitude (acceleration) of vibration. For example, tools such as impact wrenches, chainsaws, and jackhammers can be high-risk if workers use them more than 60 minutes in total per day. ## Identify controls . Where possible, do the job without using vibrating tools or equipment. • Use tools with built-in anti-vibration features. • Wear anti-vibration gloves (as classified under ISO Standard [redacted postal code]). - Don't use vibrating tools and equipment for long periods, especially in the cold. Short bursts are better. • Follow an appropriate work/rest schedule. Rotate between different jobs or take more breaks. • During work breaks, move and massage your fingers. • Don't hold vibrating tools tightly. Rest them on the work surface or workpiece if possible. Using tools with…

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# Raynaud's Phenomenon (cont.) ## What causes Raynaud's phenomenon? (cont.) Within the workplace, several hazards can cause secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Exposure to vibration from power tools is the greatest concern. Hand-held power tools such as chain saws, jackhammers, pneumatic rock drillers and chippers can cause "hand-arm vibration syndrome." This disorder is also known as "vibration-induced white finger," "hand- arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)," or "Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin." Raynaud's phenomenon, however, is only one aspect of the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Vibration also damages nerves, muscles, bones and joints of the hand and arm. See the OSH Answers document Vibration - Health Effects for more information. Before the cancer-causing effects of vinyl chloride were known, workers exposed to high levels of this chemical often experienced Raynaud's phenomenon. Vinyl chloride also causes breakdown of the bones of the fingertips and other health problems. Raynaud's phenomenon from vinyl chloride is now an unlikely occurrence in Canada since exposure to this chemical is controlled much better than in the past. Raynaud's phenomenon is also seen in typists and professional pianists from repeated finger stress and in dentists and dental technicians. Frostbite injury with damage to the blood vessels can also cause Raynaud's phenomenon. Other studies have identified Raynaud's phenomenon in workers who injured their hands by using them for hammering, pushing or twisting heavy objects. In these cases, Raynaud's phenomenon was part of a disorder called hypothenar hammer syndrome. ## How long does it take for Raynaud's phenomenon to develop? The time between first contact with the hazardous condition and the appearance of Raynaud's phenomenon is known as the latent period. This time varies according to the type of hazard, the amount of exposure, and the individual worker. Some people are more susceptible than others. The latent period for vib…

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# Vibration - Health Effects (cont.) ## What are the health effects of hand-arm vibration? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="3">Table 2 Factors that influence the effect of vibration on the hand</th></tr><tr><td>Physical Factors</td><td>Biodynamic Factors</td><td>Individual Factors</td></tr><tr><td>Acceleration of vibration</td><td>Grip forces - how hard the worker grasps the vibrating equipment</td><td>Operator's control of tool</td></tr><tr><td>Frequency of vibration</td><td>Surface area, location, and mass of parts of the hand in contact with the source of vibration</td><td>Ability to change or vary the work rate of the machine</td></tr><tr><td>Duration of exposure each workday</td><td>Hardness of the material being contacted by the hand-held tools, for example metal in grinding and chipping</td><td>Skill and productivity</td></tr><tr><td>Years of employment involving vibration exposure</td><td>Position of the hand and arm relative to the body</td><td>Individual susceptibility to vibration</td></tr><tr><td>State of tool maintenance</td><td>Texture of handle-soft and compliant versus rigid material</td><td>Smoking and use of drugs. Exposure to other physical and chemical agents.</td></tr><tr><td>Protective practices and equipment including gloves, boots, work-rest periods.</td><td>Medical history of injury to fingers and hands, particularly frostbite</td><td>Disease or prior injury to the fingers or hands</td></tr></table> ## Is Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin? Hand-arm vibration syndrome is also known as Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. Vibration is just one cause of Raynaud's phenomenon. Other causes are connective tissue diseases, tissue injury, diseases of the blood vessels in the fingers, exposure to vinyl chloride, and the use of certain drugs. The resulting reduced blood flow can produce white fingers in cold environments. What are the health effects of whole-body vibration? Vibration - Health Effects CCOHS

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Vibration # Vibration - Introduction On this page Why measure or evaluate vibration exposure? What is vibration? What is resonance? How does the vibration exposure occur? ## Why measure or evaluate vibration exposure? We can feel vibrations and know that people might be exposed to it. But we cannot determine if what we feel will be harmful. For that, we must measure vibration exposure. Vibration is the mechanical oscillations of an object about an equilibrium point. The oscillations may be regular, such as the motion of a pendulum, or random, such as the movement of a tire on a gravel road. The study of the health effects of vibration requires measures of the overall "pressure waves" (vibration energy) generated by the vibrating equipment or structure. Vibration enters the body from the part of the body or organ in contact with vibrating equipment. When a worker operates hand-held equipment such as a chain saw or jackhammer, vibration affects hands and arms. Such an exposure is called hand-arm vibration exposure. When a worker sits or stands on a vibrating floor or seat, the vibration exposure affects almost the entire body and is called whole-body vibration exposure. The risk of vibration-induced injury depends on the average daily exposure. An evaluation of the risk takes into account the intensity and frequency of the vibration, the duration (years) of exposure and the part of the body which receives the vibration energy. Hand-arm vibration causes damage to hands and fingers. It appears as damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints in the fingers. The resulting condition is known as white finger disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). One of the symptoms is that affected fingers may turn white, especially when exposed to cold. Vibration- induced white finger disease also causes a loss of grip force and loss…

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# Vibration - Health Effects (cont.) ## What are the health effects of hand-arm vibration? (cont.) bone cysts in fingers and wrists The development of hand-arm vibration syndrome is gradual and increases in severity over time. It may take a few months to several years for the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome to become clinically noticeable. What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome? Hand-arm vibration exposure affects the blood flow (vascular effect) and causes loss of touch sensation (neurological effect) in the fingers. General symptoms include: - tingling and loss of sensation (numbness) in the fingers - general pain - loss or lack of dexterity, difficulties completing tasks that require handling small items - sleep disturbances - difficulty working in damp or cold conditions - pain in fingers when they recover from blanching, as well as pain and cold sensations between episodes A common method that is used to classify vibration-induced white finger is the Stockholm Workshop classification scale. <table><tr><th colspan="3">Table 1 The Stockholm Workshop classification scale for cold-induced peripheral vascular and sensorineural symptoms (a) Vascular assessment</th></tr><tr><td>Stage</td><td>Grade</td><td>Description</td></tr><tr><td>0</td><td>(none)</td><td>No attacks</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Mild</td><td>Occasional attacks affecting only the tips of one or more fingers</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Moderate</td><td>Occasional attacks affecting the fingertips and middle of the finger (distal and middle phalanges), and also rarely affects the parts of the finger close to the palm (proximal phalanges)</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Severe</td><td>Frequent attacks affecting all parts of most fingers (all phalanges)</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Very Severe</td><td>Same symptoms as in stage 3 with skin changes in the fingertips.</td></tr></table> Vibration - Health Effects CCOHS