Vibration transferred to the fingers, thumb, hand and arm from the use of power tools, pneumatic tools or high impact hand tools like hammers, can lead to users reporting symptoms such as; tingling or numbness in the fingers, poor grip strength, poor dexterity or use of the fingers, along with other possible complications.
Although limiting vibration through machinery and tools needs to be considered on a number of levels, such as engineering out the problem, re-designing the process or the use of alternative tools – anti vibration wraps and gloves can be of benefit if used consistently and changed when worn out.
Anti-vibration tool wraps can be wrapped around the handles of pneumatic tools, power tools or hand tools to absorb or reduce the vibration or shock of the tool or implement and minimise the impact on the hand and arm. Tool wraps are available in:
- varying sizes and anti-vibration materials – with open ends for pneumatic or power tools, or closed ends for hand tools (and can be transferred from one tool to another)
- heat shrink tool wrap covering for longer term wear
- tool wrap with grip tabs for easy closure or opening
- tool wrap with gel padding and textured surface for ease of gripping (purchased in rolls in cut to size)
Anti-vibration gloves can provide protection for individuals from vibration, especially if they use multiple tools or work areas. If considering the use of anti-vibration gloves, to ensure they are used consistently and for maximum benefit, choose a pair that; fit the user snugly whilst still allowing for maximum dexterity, are suitable in size and design for the task, are of sufficient quality that the anti-vibration padding remains in position over time and they provide adequate grip.
A range of gloves are available:
- gloves with polyurethane air pocket style design over the palm to assist in dissipating vibration and reducing overall hand, finger and arm fatigue whilst retaining dexterity
- full length gloves with gel padded palm area and/or fingers and thumb – coming in a range of materials depending on the dexterity required such as cow hide, goats leather, spandex or insulating material for cold work environments like freezers
- half finger gloves (cut off at knuckle height) with palm gel pad
- anti-vibration glove liners for use under specialised gloves such as those for use with specific chemicals or extreme heat
- gloves with gel padded palm and thumb span, with hard protective polymer over back of knuckles for protection.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
For individuals with poor hand or upper limb strength, those that fatigue easily or have conditions such as carpal tunnel or occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) the use of anti-vibration gloves or tool wraps may assist in reducing the vibration transferred from tools and therefore lengthen the time they are able to work or increase productivity due to reduced breaks (Job Accommodation Network 2008; Sorbothane 2001; Sorbothane (no date specified); Viscolas Incorporated 2008; Otb Products; Teigen 2007).
References:
Job Accommodation Network 2008, Anti-Vibration Tool Wraps, Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 1 February 2008, .
Sorbothane 2001, Sorbothane Material Properties, Sorbothane, Inc., Ohio, viewed 1 February 2008.
Sorbothane (no date specified), Sorbothane Brochure, Sorbothane, Inc., Ohio, viewed 1 February 2008.
Otb Products, GripStrip Shock Absorbing Tool Wrap, Otb Products, Queensland, viewed 1 February 2008.
Otb Products, Anti-Vibration Products, Otb Products, Queensland, viewed 1 February 2008.
Otb Products, Body Glove Extrication Gloves, Otb Products, Queensland, viewed 1 February 2008.
Tiegen, J.D., 2007, Vibration Safeguards, Occupational Health and Safety magazine – 1105 Media Inc, online, viewed 1 February 2008.
Viscolas Incorporated 2008, Hand Products, Viscolas Incorporated, Tennessee, viewed 1 February 2008,.