Tool Vibration Safe Work Practice

TOOL VIBRATION SAFE WORK PRACTICE (SWP) TOOL VIBRATION SWP ID#: 10-001 Version 1 Abstract Category Occupational Health An object “vibrates” when it moves back and forth, up and down, or side Issue Date: to side, usually very rapidly. “Vibration” describes the physical energy 2019-01-01 (yyyy-mm-dd) from a vibrating object, and also what we feel when that energy is Last Review Date: transmitted to us. 2020-01-01 (yyyy-mm-dd) Hazards: Disorders: permanent injuries to blood vessels (vascular), nerves (neurological) and joints (musculoskeletal) can be caused by repeated vibrations from hand and power tools called hand-arm vibration syndrome. DO Do NOT • Use gloves to keep hands warm and also provide some • Use a tool that under normal conditions should not protection from vibration vibrate. Check for damage or out of calibration. • Limit the time a worker is exposed to the vibration. Short • Use blunt or damaged tools and replace worn out items bursts are acceptable. such as grinding wheels. • Improve the ergonomic design of workstations. • Work in awkward postures that can increase the load on • Attempt to do job without using vibration tools, where employees’ hands, wrists, and arms possible • Use vibrating tools and equipment for long periods, • Move and massage fingers during breaks especially in the cold • Hold vibrating tools tightly • Ignore signs and symptoms of tingling & numbness. See • Keep equipment in good condition your doctor. • Report poorly functioning tools to supervisor • Buy tools with low or reduced vibration General Safe Work Practices 1. Use a non-vibrating alternative method to complete the work, if possible. 2. Take regular breaks 3. Alternate vibrating work with non-vibrating work 4. Rotate vibrating work with co-workers 5. Use tools in ways that minimize vibration exposure 6. Maintain tools properly – inadequate maintenance can cause parts to become loose, misaligned, worn and unbalanced. 7. Maintain a proper grip. Excessive hand grip force increases ligament and tendon tension and reduces local blood circulation worsening the effects of vibration exposure. BASS 8. Hold tools using a “power grip” - whereby the fingers are wrapped around the object and the thumb is placed against it – like making a fist. INSTALLATION © COPYRIGHT 2020 Safe Work Practice: No. 10-001 - TOOL VIBRATION (ver. 1) - 2020-01-01 Page 1 of 2 TOOL VIBRATION SAFE WORK PRACTICE (SWP) Vibration Levels for Tools and Equipment Low risk Medium risk High risk (< 2.5 m/s2) (2.5 to 5 m/s2) (> 5 m/s2) • Abrasive band • Air drill • Air chisel • Band saw • Angle grinder • Circular saw • Cordless screwdriver • Blower • Chainsaw • Jet washer • Core drill • Hammer drill • Spray gun • Crosscut saw • Impact drill • Threading machine • Chop saw • Impact wrench • Vacuum cleaner • Electric screwdriver • Jackhammer • Floor sander • Pneumatic hammer • Hand-held sander • Reciprocating saw Source: IHSA Construction Manual 2017 Highlighted items above indicate tools or equipment used by Bass Installation. Regulatory Reference: Additional Standards: BASS INSTALLATION © COPYRIGHT 2020 Safe Work Practice: No. 10-001 - TOOL VIBRATION (ver. 1) - 2020-01-01 Page 2 of 2 .

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