Write a toolbox talk on construction, HAVS

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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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# 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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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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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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# 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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# SAFETY WALKAROUND CHECKLIST HAND-ARM VIBRATION 2001 Date Prepared: Project Name/No: By: Location: • Check the box if the statement is true. • Fill in the blanks where the - appears. • Citations in brackets are from Title 8 of the California Administrative Code. ## HAZARD IDENTIFICATION NOTES - The company has a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of vibration hazards on the site, regular inspections, accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions. [1509] - All tools that may pose a vibration hazard have been identified. Vibrating tools used on this site: drills jackhammers asphalt breakers grinders chain saws concrete vibrators and levelers chipping tools needle guns polishers sanders riveters compactors other pneumatic tools: other electric tools: Workers are encouraged to report tools that are causing particular problems. [1509] California Tailgate Training Hand-Arm Vibration-Page 1

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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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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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# 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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# How to use safety talks Once you have completed the necessary job safety analysis (JSA) for each particular job or workplace, you will have identified the hazards and planned to eliminate or contain them. When the hazard cannot be eliminated or contained, controls need to be put in place to reduce the risk of injuries or illnesses for workers. A safety talk is a hands-on way to remind workers of these controls, how they work, and that health and safety are important on the job. Safety talks deal with specific problems in the workplace. They do not replace formal training. Each safety talk addresses a specific hazard. You can use them to remind workers about the health and safety requirements for the tools, equipment, materials, and procedures they use every day or for particular parts of the job. Each safety talk in this book will take about five minutes to present. ## Why give a safety talk? Your objective is to help workers RECOGNIZE and CONTROL hazards on the project. You may be a supervisor, a health and safety representative, a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), a safety officer, or someone with similar duties. You give safety talks because you are responsible for advising workers about the existing or potential dangers to their health and safety. Using safety talks demonstrates both the employer's and workers' commitment to health and safety. REMEMBER: A safety talk may be the only information workers receive about a particular tool, piece of equipment, type of material, or work procedure on the project. When choosing and presenting your talk, do everything you can to help workers remember and act on the message you deliver. ## What makes a safety talk work? • Choose a talk suited to your site and work conditions. - Deliver the talk where it will be most appropriate. That could be in the job office, out on the site, or near the tools and equipment you are talking about. - Introduce the subject clearly. Let workers know exac…

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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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# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/03/2016 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is gear that can be worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It can be worn to help prevent sudden injuries or injuries occur over time. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE and verifies that it fits properly. that ## When to Wear PPE • Before you resort to PPE, you should first: • Use administrative controls • Implement Engineering Controls • Use local exhaust or general ventilation vs. a respirator • Control dust with a wet process vs. dry • Install sound reducing devices to mechanical equipment • When these other two means of protection are exhausted you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. - Often times PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection. ## BASIC TYPES OF PPE Head: Hard hat, welders cap Hearing: Earmuffs, ear plugs or canal caps Face/Eye: Safety glasses, face shield, safety goggles. Hand: Gloves for general use, chemical use, electrical work or hot work. Body: Chaps, leathers, coveralls Foot Protection: Leather boots, Safety toe/steel toe boots Personal Protective Equipment is gear that is worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE, verifies that the PPE fits properly and is adequate for the work to be performed. Remember: PPE is the last line of defense against a hazard. LEARN MORE ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Does the PPE you wear to perform your work fit properly and is it in good working condition? What can be done in your work area to improve the use of PPE? • What improvements can be made to reduce the need for PPE? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers …