Hand Tool ErgonomicsHand Tool Ergonomics Health HazardsWhat are the main health concerns in working with hand tools?Along with common injuries such as cuts, lacerations, and bruises, the frequent and prolonged use of hand tools can cause soreness, aches, pains, and fatigue, which, when ignored, can lead to chronic musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) of various kinds. The most common examples of these work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs - group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons, and nerves) are aretendonitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), carpal tunnel syndromeand de Quervain's syndrome.What factors of working with hand tools cause discomfort, fatigue and, eventually, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)?Several work factors can affect the health and performance of hand tool users. Major ones include: static loadon arms and upper body muscles awkward working positions and body postures tissue compression vibrationStatic load or effort occurs when muscles are kept tense and motionless. Examples of static effort include holding the arms elevated (Figure 1a), or extended forwards or sideways (Figure 1b). (Try holding your arm straight out in front of you for a few minutes and you will see what we mean. Put any object in your outstretched hand and its weight will add to the static effort exponentially.) Bending and twisting the neck or the whole torso can also increase static load considerably. Add the exertion of force required by hand tools, and static load can increase still further (Figure 1c). Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 1cStatic effort, that is holding any strained position for a period of time, is a particularly undesirable component in any work situation. Static effort increases the pressure on both the muscles, as well as on tissues, tendons and ligaments. It also reduces blood flow which cause a localized fatigue at a much quicker rate than would be expected by performing dynamic work (involving movement). Statically loaded muscles are much more vulnerable to fatigue and subsequent injury than muscles which are performing dynamic work. Furthermore, muscles which are tired by static work take more than 10 times longer to recover from fatigue.Awkward working positions and body postures. Hand tools are often (actually, more than often) used where the space is limited and access is difficult; see Figures 2a, 2b, 2c. Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2cWhen the hand holds and uses a tool in an awkward position it has less strength and is consequently more susceptible to soreness and eventual injury. If the arm is uncomfortable, the rest of the body is likely to be so as well, because it is natural to compensate for discomfort by trying to re-align the body by bending the back, rounding the shoulders, tilting the neck, and so on.Awkward positions of the upper body considerably increase the effort needed to complete the task. The resulting fatigue, discomfort, and pain add further to the risk for developing injury.Tissue compression from forceful grips. As a rule, using a hand tool requires a firm grip. The resulting compression of soft tissue in the palm and fingers may obstruct blood circulation, resulting in numbness and tingling. Blisters are also common due to friction between the palm of the hand and the handle of the tool.Vibration. Certain heavy tools such as a chipping hammer can produce significant vibrationswhich is responsible for hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), more commonly known as white finger or Raynauds syndrome.Are hand tools ergonomically designed?The history of hand tools is as old as the history of mankind. In fact, the invention of hand tools by our ancestors marked the beginning of the development of human civilization. Once invented, hand tools grew and evolved along with us as an extension of our own hand.Basic hand tool design has not changed appreciably over the last several centuries. To be an effective "ergonomic" tool, it must decrease the physical demands placed on the people using the tool. Tools should be designed, and selected for how well they take into account the following factors: Process engineering requirements - tools will help meet production goals while meeting need for precision, materials, etc. Human operator limitations Physical characteristics and limitations (anthropometry) Biomechanics - structure, strength and mobility Fatigue Manual dexterity Workstation and task factorsThe mass production of hand tools has also changed our approach to the use of hand tools. The use of tools on an industrial scale made it apparent that using a tool which does not fit the person or task can seriously affect a user's health.Selecting the proper tool for the job and fitting it to the individual has become very important for productivity and worker health. The ergonomic evaluation of work where hand tools are used has helped people to understand that the layout of the workstation, the variety and scheduling of tasks, and the way tools are used, are all factors as important as tool design itself.Hand Tool Ergonomisc Job DesignHow can work organization help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) that can result from using hand tools?People working at a correctly designed workstation and using the best available tools can still get injured. It happens where their work is poorly designed. Work organization involves: job content -- task variety work pace work breaks rest breaks adjustment or acclimatization time trainingTask variety. Jobs that involve using only one kind of tool for one or a few tasks that do not vary in the movements and muscles used can cause an overload of those muscles, ligaments, tendons or tissues. The resulting overload on the same part of the body can cause pain and injury. A greater variety of tasks allow for changing body position to distribute the workload over different parts of the body, and to give overtaxed muscles some relief and recovery time. Rotate tasks among workers; have workers move from one task to another according to a schedule. Ensure tasks are different in the type of movement and body parts used. Add more tasks to the job. Assign a larger part of work to a team: workers form a team and each member of the team shares several different tasks.Work pace. A fast pace of work is a strong risk factor for WMSDs. If the pace is too fast, the muscles involved do not have enough time to recover from the effort and to restore sufficient energy to continue the work. If the pace of work is imposed externally -- assembly line speed, for example -- adjusts it to the speed that is acceptable for the slowest worker. Incentive systems that reward for the quality of work naturally determine the "right" pace of work. Incentive systems that reward for the amount or quantity of work increase the risk for WMSDs and, in the long run, will compromise quality as well.Work breaks. The work break is a time period between tasks. Even short periods of time, literally seconds, that allow one to relax muscles involved in operating tools are important in preventing injuries.Rest breaks. The rest break is the period after work stops. Besides allowing for refreshment, rest breaks can be used to stretch and relax.Adjustment period. An adjustment or acclimatization period is the time needed to get "in shape" when returning to work after a long absence, or when starting a new job. It should allow one to refresh old work habits or get used to a new routine. An adjustment period is a very important element of injury prevention. Inexperienced and "new" workers, as well as "old timers" returning to work after a period of recovery and rehabilitation, are more prone than most workers to both injury and re-injury, so adjustment periods are a vitally important way to reintegrate them into the workflow.Training. Training workers on the safe use of tools, and on the hazards involved in working with them, has always been extremely important. Today, more than ever, when new materials, new technologies and new equipment are replacing older ones faster then ever before, the importance of such training is magnified. The introduction of a new tool or equipment, as well as any change in way the job has been done previously should be preceded by refresher training that includes new information relevant to the changes being introduced. Even the best-designed tool, or the most ergonomically correct workstation, or the most up-to-date work organization will fail to prevent injuries if the worker is not properly trained.Hand Tool Ergonomisc Tool DesignHow can one reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) resulting from the use of hand tools?Tool design (weight, shape, fit to the user and the task), workstation design (size, shape and layout), and the way tasks are scheduled are all key factors in making hand tool use safe and risk-free. Since, none of those three areas is more important then the other, an effective prevention strategy must address all of them simultaneously.What are the major ergonomic concerns of a hand tool design?Weight of the tool. Ideally, a worker should be able to operate a tool with one hand. Therefore the weight of the tool, especially for repetitive use, should not exceed 1 kg (2.2 lb.). It is also important that the centre of gravity be aligned with the centre of the gripping hand.

Figure 1In other words, tools should feel "easy" to hold either in an upright position or in the position it will be used (ie. pointing down). For example, drills that are "front-heavy" will require effort (especially in the wrist and forearm) to hold in a usable position and should be avoided. The exception to this principle is a power hand tool, such as a grinder, that has to be heavy in order to reduce the force that the worker has to exert while using it. Tools heavier than 1 kg or poorly balanced tools should be supported by counter-balancers.Handles. With the exception of tools for precision work (e.g., watchmaking, microsurgery, carving), the handles and grips of hand tools should be designed for a power grip. The belief that smaller tools should have smaller handles while larger tools have larger ones is debatable.Handle shape. Tools with "bent" or angled handles or tools with pistol-grips are beneficial where the force is exerted in a straight line in the same direction as the straightened forearm and wrist, especially when the force must be applied horizontally (see Figures 2, 3, 4).

Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5Tools with straight handles are for tasks where the force is exerted perpendicular to the straightened forearm and wrist, for instance, when the force must be applied vertically.Shaped tools such as bent-handle tools are effective where most of the tasks are done in the same plane and height as the arm and hand, and when only one or two other tools are used (see Figure 5).Knowing the tasks and the layout of the workplace where they will be used is vital for selecting the right tools for any given job. Select tools that do NOT require wrist flexion, extension or deviation. In other words, select tools that allow you to keep the wrist straight or in a neutral position.The crucial ergonomic principle in tool use and design --bend the tool, not the wrists-- however correct and valuable does not always prevent discomfort and injuries when bent-handle tools are used indiscriminately, regardless of the layout of the work situation.Diameter. Handles should be cylindrical or oval in cross section, with a diameter of between 30mm and 45mm. For precision work the recommended diameter for handles is between 5mm and 12mm. For a greater torque large screwdrivers should have a handle diameter up to 50-60mm.Length. A handle that is too short can cause unnecessary compression in the middle of the palm. It should extend across the entire breadth of the palm. Tool handles longer than 100mm (preferably 115-120mm) will reduce the negative effects of any compression exerted. Rounded handles will minimize palm compression on the palm still further. Keep in mind that the use of gloves requires longer tool handles.Separation between handles. Crushing, gripping or cutting tools such as pliers or tongs are equipped with two handles. The recommended distance separating handle is between 50mm and 65mm. Such a range will fit both male and female users. Tools with larger or smaller spans will reduce one's maximum grip strength and may contribute to the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.Materials and texture of handlesTo ensure a good grip on a handle, sufficient friction must exist between the hand and the handle. This is particularly important where a considerable force must be applied with a sweaty hand. Hand tools should be made of non-slip, non-conductive and compressible materials. For example, textured rubber handles provide a good grip, reduce the effort needed to use the tool effectively, and prevent the tool from slipping out of the hand. Glossy coatings and highly polished handles should be avoided. The electrical and heat insulation properties of the handles are important for power hand tools. Handles made of plastics or compound rubber are recommended. Sharp edges and contours can be covered with cushioned tape to minimize lacerations.The table below summarizes some of the guidelines presented above.Guidelines - Summary

DescriptionGuidelineReason

Tool shapeSlightly contouredEasy grip

Direction of force is in-line with forearm and wrist (typically horizontal)Bent handleMinimal wrist deviation

Direction of force is perpendicular to forearm and wrist (typically vertical)Straight handleMinimal wrist deviation

Separation distance between handles (for crushing, gripping or clipping tools such as pliers or tongs)50 - 65 mm (separation distance)Fits both men and women with maximum grip strength

Handle length> 100 mm (ideally 115 - 120 mm)Keep contact out of palm

Handle diameter (power grip)30 - 45 mmGreater force and stability

Handle diameter (greater torque for screwdriving tasks)50 - 60 mmGreater torque

Handle diameter (precision task)5 - 12 mmGreater control

Material and texture of handlesNon-slip non-conductive materialsFor comfort and reduces effort required to use tool

Tool weight (< 1 kg)One handle1 hand use

Tool weight (> 1 kg)Two handles or tool balancer2 hand use

When should power tools be used?When manual hand tools are used for tasks that require the frequent and repetitive use of force to perform a task or job, the risk of contracting an WMSD increases. One of the most effective ways in reducing injury risk associated with the use of manual hand tools is to replace them with power tools. Always conduct a risk assessment before making any change. Make sure that all aspects of the new tool has been considered (weight, size, etc.) to be sure that one type of hazard has not been exchanged for another.What ergonomic factors are unique to powered hand tools?Power tool triggers. Frequent movements of the index finger while operating the trigger of power tools (such as a power drill) poses a considerable risk for both "trigger finger" and "trigger thumb" (tendonitis in the index finger and/or thumb). A longer trigger which allows the use of two or three fingers to activate them reduces discomfort and minimizes the risk for injury. The recommended minimum length of the trigger is 50mm.Vibration. The only effective way to reduce vibration in power tools is at the design stage. This fact makes tool selection most critical. The common practices of covering handles of vibrating tools with a layer of viscoelastic material or of using anti-vibration gloves made of similar material are of dubious value. These "anti-vibration" materials will dampen vibration above certain frequencies that are characteristic for the kind of material, but most of the vibration energy in a handle of a power tool is below those frequencies.What should one remember when selecting and using hand tools?When selecting and using a hand tool it is important: to "bend" the tool, not the wrist; use tools with angled or "bent" handles, when appropriate) to avoid high contact forces and static loading to reduce excessive gripping force or pressure to avoid extreme and awkward joint positions to avoid twisting hand and wrist motion by using power tools rather than hand tools. to avoid repetitive finger movements, or at least reduce their number to avoid or limit vibration to minimize the amount of force needed to activate trigger devices on power tools.How does hand tool maintenance reduce the risk for injuries?The condition of tools is an important factor. Blunt or dull tools such as scissors, cutters, saws, screwdriver tips, in fact any tools in a poor state of repair, not only compromise safety but also increase (sometimes by a factor of ten) the effort needed to use them. Tools in poor condition should be discarded (with the exception of those few that can be restored to optimum condition, for example, a wood chisel or wood saw) and replaced with new ones.Hand Tool Ergonomisc Workspace DesignHow can work space design help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) resulting from the improper use of hand tools?Tool selection is of critical importance for user safety, comfort and health. However even the best tool on the market will not transform a poorly designed workstation into a safe and comfortable one for the operator.Many work space components such as work surfaces, seats, flooring, tools, equipment, environmental conditions, etc., determine whether or not the job is safe and healthy. If the workplace design does not meet your physical needs, it can create risk factors for discomfort, aches and pains, fatigue, and eventually, WMSDs. On the other hand, in a well-designed workplace, where you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of well-balanced working positions and to change between them frequently, work can be carried out safely and injury-free.

How can you control a working body posture?Avoid bending over your work; instead keep your back straight and, if possible, elevate the work area or task to a comfortable level. Keep your elbows close to the body, and reduce the need to stretch your arms overhead or out in front of you. Tool extensions can help where it is difficult to reach the object of work. Using a stepladder or step-stool can improve the working body position where the task requires elevating your arms above the shoulder. At the same time, frequent stretching breaks will relieve any built-up muscle tension. If standing, distribute your weight evenly between the feet. Even better, use a foot stool or rail to rest your legs, and shift from one to the other periodically.Proper chairs and sit/stand stools offer support during many hand tool tasks.How should one design the workstation for precision work? Provide the worker with a height-adjustable workstation (Figure 1a) For a fixed-height workbench: provide work platforms to accommodate shorter workers; raise the work surface for taller workers.

Figure 1a Provide sufficient leg clearance to allow the worker to get close to the work object, thereby reducing the need to bend the torso. Provide a foot rest as foot support that will improve body balance and minimize the static load on the workers back. Anti-fatigue matting reduces lower back and leg discomfort and minimizes fatigue. Consider using chairs or stools to allow work in a sitting or standing position. Where feasible provide the worker with a tilted workstation. This reduces static load on the back and upper body (Figure 1b).

Figure 1b Use jigs or vices to hold the work object steady and secure at the proper height and position for optimum comfort (Figure 1c).

Figure 1c Use vices to minimize pinching and gripping forces.How should one design the workstation for assembly work?In assembly work, static load, awkward postures and forceful movements are major risk factors for WMSDs. Prolonged standing and the fatigue resulting from it additionally contribute to WMSDs. Use jigs and vices to hold the work object steady at the right height and position for optimum comfort (Figure 2a).

Figure 2a Use tool balancers to reduce the effort of holding and operating the tool (Figure 2b).

Figure 2b If possible use the lightest tool that can get the job done properly, preferably one weighing less than 1 kg (2 lbs). Anti-fatigue matting reduces lower back and leg discomfort and minimizes fatigue.VibrationWhy 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 is going to 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 health effects of vibration require measures of the overall "pressure waves" that are generated by vibrating equipment or structure.Vibration enters the body from the 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 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 and nerves in the fingers. The resulting condition is known as white finger disease, Raynaud's phenomenon (Raynaud's phenomenon, sometimes called Raynaud's syndrome or disease, is a disorder of blood circulation in the fingers and toes (and less commonly of the ears and nose). This condition aggravates with cold exposure. Exposure to cold abnormally reduces blood circulation causing the skin to become pale, waxy-white or purple. The disorder is sometimes called "white finger", "wax finger" or "dead finger." - Gemne, G., et al. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. Vol. 13, no. 4 (1987). p. 275-278) 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 of sensitivity to touch.The health effect of whole-body vibration is poorly understood. Studies of drivers of heavy vehicles have revealed an increased incidence of the disorders of bowel and the circulatory, musculoskeletal and neurological systems.However, disorders of the nervous, circulatory and digestive systems are not specific to whole-body vibration exposure only. These disorders can be caused by a combination of various other working conditions and life style factors rather than by one physical factor alone. What is vibration?If we could watch a vibrating object in slow motion, you could see movements in different directions. Any vibration has two measurable quantities. How far (amplitude or intensity), and how fast (frequency) the object moves helps determine its vibrational characteristics. The terms used to describe this movement are frequency, amplitude and acceleration.

Figure 1 - Representation of the Measures of Vibration ExposureFrequency. A vibrating object moves back and forth from its normal stationary position. A complete cycle of vibration occurs when the object moves from one extreme position to the other extreme, and back again. The number of cycles that a vibrating object completes in one second is called frequency. The unit of frequency is hertz (Hz). One hertz equals one cycle per second.Amplitude. A vibrating object moves to a certain maximum distance on either side of its stationary position. Amplitude is the distance from the stationary position to the extreme position on either side and is measured in metres (m). The intensity of vibration depends on amplitude.Acceleration (measure of vibration intensity). The speed of a vibrating object varies from zero to a maximum during each cycle of vibration. It moves fastest as it passes through its natural stationary position to an extreme position. The vibrating object slows down as it approaches the extreme, where it stops and then moves in the opposite direction through the stationary position toward the other extreme. Speed of vibration is expressed in units of metres per second (m/s).Acceleration is a measure of how quickly speed changes with time. The measure of acceleration is expressed in units of (metres per second) per second or metres per second squared (m/s2). The magnitude of acceleration changes from zero to a maximum during each cycle of vibration. It increases as vibrating object moves further from its normal stationary position.What is resonance?Every object tends to vibrate at one particular frequency called the natural frequency. The measure of natural frequency depends on the composition of the object, its size, structure, weight and shape. If we apply a vibrating force on the object with its frequency equal to the natural frequency, it is a resonance condition. A vibrating machine transfers the maximum amount of energy to an object when the machine vibrates at the object's resonant frequency.How does the vibration exposure occur?Contact with a vibrating machine transfers vibration energy to a person's organ. We know that vibration affects the organ in contact such as the hands. But we do not fully understand how vibration may affect other parts of the worker's body or only a selected particular organ. The effect of vibration exposure also depends on the frequency of vibration. Each organ of the body has its own resonant frequency. If exposure occurs at or near any of these resonant frequencies, the resulting effect is greatly increased.Segmental vibration exposure affects an organ, part or "segment" of the body. The most widely studied and most common type of segmental vibration exposure is hand-arm vibration exposure which affects the hands and arms. Exposed occupational groups include operators of chain saws, chipping tools, jackhammers, jack leg drills, grinders and many other workers who operate hand-held vibrating tools.Whole body vibration energy enters the body through a seat or the floor, and it affects the entire body or a number of organs in the body. Exposed groups include operators of trucks, buses, tractors and those who work on vibrating floors. Table 1 lists examples of vibration exposure in various industries.Table 1Examples of occupational vibration exposure

IndustryType of VibrationCommon Source of Vibration

AgricultureWhole bodyTractors

Boiler makingHand-armPneumatic tools

ConstructionWhole bodyHand-armHeavy equipment vehiclesPneumatic tools, Jackhammers

Diamond cuttingHand-armVibrating hand tools

ForestryWhole bodyHand-armTractorsChain saws

FoundriesHand-armVibrating cleavers

Furniture manufactureHand-armPneumatic chisels

Iron and steelHand-armVibrating hand tools

LumberHand-armChain saws

Machine toolsHand-armVibrating hand tools

MiningWhole bodyHand-armVehicle operationRock drills

RivettingHand-armHand tools

RubberHand-armPneumatic stripping tools

Sheet MetalHand-armStamping Equipment

ShipyardsHand-armPneumatic hand tools

Shoe-makingHand-armPounding machine

Stone dressingHand-armPneumatic hand tools

TextileHand-armSewing machines, Looms

TransportationWhole bodyVehicles

What are the health effects of whole-body vibration?Whole-body vibration can cause fatigue, insomnia, stomach problems, headache and "shakiness" shortly after or during exposure. The symptoms are similar to those that many people experience after a long car or boat trip. After daily exposure over a number of years, whole-body vibration can affect the entire body and result in a number of health disorders. Sea, air or land vehicles cause motion sickness when the vibration exposure occurs in the 0.1 to 0.6 Hz frequency range. Studies of bus and truck drivers found that occupational exposure to whole-body vibration could have contributed to a number of circulatory, bowel, respiratory, muscular and back disorders. The combined effects of body posture, postural fatigue, dietary habits and whole-body vibration are the possible causes for these disorders.Studies show that whole-body vibration can increase heart rate, oxygen uptake and respiratory rate, and can produce changes in blood and urine. East European researchers have noted that exposure to whole-body vibration can produce an overall ill feeling which they call "vibration sickness."Many studies have reported decreased performance in workers exposed to whole-body vibration.What are the health effects of hand-arm vibration?Vibration induced health conditions progress slowly. In the beginning it 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 (VWF) is the most common condition among the operators of hand-held vibrating tools. 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 (HAVS). The symptoms of VWF are aggravated when the hands are exposed to cold.Workers affected by HAVS 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 bone cysts in fingers and wristsThe development of HAVS is gradual and increases in severity over time. It may take a few months to several years for the symptoms of HAVS to become clinically noticeable.Some examples of controlling exposure to vibration?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 in absorbing low-frequency vibration, the major contributor to vibration-related disorders. Therefore, they offer little protection against developing vibration-induced white finger syndrome. However, gloves do provide protection from typical industrial hazards (e.g., cuts, abrasions) and from cold temperatures that, in turn, may reduce the initial sensation of white finger attacks.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: Employ a minimum hand grip consistent with 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 work piece whenever practical. Refrain from using faulty tools. Maintain properly sharpened cutting tools. 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. 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 work station govern the choice of the vibration isolation material and the machine mounting methods.