Variation between manufacturers’ declared vibration emission values and those measured under simulated workplace conditions for a range of hand-held power tools typically found in the construction industry

Rimell, Andrew N.; Notini, Luca; Mansfield, Neil J.; Edwards, David J.

doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2007.10.023

Cited by 20 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Hand-transmitted vibration could vary greatly with many factors such as tool model, tool condition, location and direction on a tool, working material, tool user's biodynamic properties, applied hand force, and working posture [8–10]. The standards recommend that vibration exposures be measured at workplaces under actual working conditions [4,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An examination of the handheld adapter approach for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure

Dong

Welcome

et al. 2014

Measurement

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The use of a handheld adapter equipped with a tri-axial accelerometer is the most convenient and efficient approach for measuring vibration exposure at the hand-tool interface, especially when the adapter is incorporated into a miniature handheld or wrist-strapped dosimeter. To help optimize the adapter approach, the specific aims of this study are to identify and understand the major sources and mechanisms of measurement errors and uncertainties associated with using these adapters, and to explore their improvements. Five representative adapter models were selected and used in the experiment. Five human subjects served as operators in the experiment on a hand-arm vibration test system. The results of this study confirm that many of the handheld adapters can produce substantial overestimations of vibration exposure, and measurement errors can significantly vary with tool, adapter model, mounting position, mounting orientation, and subject. Major problems with this approach include unavoidable influence of the hand dynamic motion on the adapter, unstable attachment, insufficient attachment contact force, and inappropriate adapter structure. However, the results of this study also suggest that measurement errors can be substantially reduced if the design and use of an adapter can be systematically optimized toward minimizing the combined effects of the identified factors. Some potential methods for improving the design and use of the adapters are also proposed and discussed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An examination of the handheld adapter approach for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure

Dong

Welcome

et al. 2014

Measurement

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“…(ibid). Hence, differences between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) type approval or standardised vibration measurements (which are specifically designed to be repeatable) and field data (which is often variable) were apparent (Rimell et al, 2008) The third factor which determines HAV exposure is iii) the trigger time duration. This is the amount of time that the operator has a finger on the trigger of the machine or power tool.…”

Section: Legal Duties and Measurement Of Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

A field survey of hand–arm vibration exposure in the UK utilities sector

Edwards

Rillie

Chileshe

et al. 2020

ECAM

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PurposeExcessive exposure to HAV can lead to hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) which is a major health and well-being issue that can irreparably damage the neurological, vascular and muscular skeletal system. This paper reports upon field research analysis of the hand–arm vibration (HAV) exposure levels of utility workers in the UK construction sector when operating hand-held vibrating power tools.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical epistemological lens was adopted to analyse primary quantitative data on the management of hand-held tool trigger times (seconds) collected from field studies. To augment the analysis further, an interpretivist perspective was undertaken to qualitatively analyse interviews held with the participating company's senior management team after field study results. This approach sought to provide further depth and perspective on the emergent numerical findings.FindingsThe findings reveal that none of the operatives were exposed above the exposure limit value (ELV) and that 91.07% resided under the exposure action value (EAV). However, the Burr four parameter probability model (which satisfied the Anderson–Darling, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and chi-squared goodness of fit tests at α 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 levels of significance) illustrated that given the current data distribution pattern, there was a 3% likelihood that the ELV will be exceeded. Model parameters could be used to: forecast the future probability of HAV exposure levels on other utility contracts and provide benchmark indicators to alert senior management to pending breaches of the ELV.Originality/valueHAV field trials are rarely conducted within the UK utilities sector, and the research presented is the first to develop probability models to predict the likelihood of operatives exceeding the ELV based upon field data. Findings presented could go some way to preserving the health and well-being of workers by ensuing that adequate control measures implemented (e.g. procuring low vibrating tools) mitigate the risk posed.

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“…HAV is a specific sub-area of H&S that is more specifically related to health and well-being (H&WB). This is because, when inadequately managed, or ineffectively controlled, excessive HAV exposure can lead to the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a debilitating and irreversible medical condition that encompasses neurological, vascular and musculoskeletal disorders (Rimell et al, 2008).…”

Section: Review No 2 Commentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hand-arm vibration management: an operational health and safety strategy framework

Edwards

Martek

Ejohwomu

et al. 2020

IJBPA

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PurposeHuman vibration exposure from hand-operated equipment emissions can lead to irreparable and debilitating hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). While work-place health and well-being (H&WB) policies, strategies and procedures have been extensively researched and documented, little has been done to develop a specific strategic framework tailored to the management of hand-arm vibration (HAV). This study fills that gap.Design/methodology/approachA mixed philosophical approach of interpretivism and critical realism is adopted within a case study of a utilities contractor. Within this overarching epistemological design, action research approach is implemented via a three-stage investigation, namely, relevant company H&WB documents and procedures were examined, leading to the formulation of semi-structured interview questioning of the H&WB team. Their responses informed the next line of questions, delivered to middle-management responsible for overseeing H&S.FindingsThe findings are instructive in revealing that while substantial documentation management (augmented with protocols and checks) was in place, the system fell short of implementation within the workforce and thus failed to preserve worker H&WB. The investigation generated recommendations for shoring up H&WB deficiencies observed and developed a theoretical model to represent these. Though these recommendations were developed in response to a specific case, they form the core of a HAV operational H&WB strategy framework with applicability over a broader context.Originality/valueThis research provides unique insight into contemporary industry practices employed to manage HAV in the workplace and represents an invaluable opportunity to learn from prevailing practices and rectify deficiencies observed.

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Variation between manufacturers’ declared vibration emission values and those measured under simulated workplace conditions for a range of hand-held power tools typically found in the construction industry

Cited by 20 publications

References 5 publications

An examination of the handheld adapter approach for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure

An examination of the handheld adapter approach for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure

A field survey of hand–arm vibration exposure in the UK utilities sector

Hand-arm vibration management: an operational health and safety strategy framework

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