4
Safety Recommendations
Some individuals may be susceptible to disorders of the
hands and arms when performing tasks consisting of highly
repetitive motions and/or exposure to extended vibration.
Cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syn-
drome and tendonitis may be caused or aggravated by
repetitious, forceful exertions of the hands and arms.
Vibration may contribute to a condition called Raynaud's
Syndrome. These disorders develop gradually over peri-
ods of weeks, months, and years. It is presently unknown
to what extent exposure to vibrations or repetitive motions
may contribute to the disorders. Hereditary factors,
vasculatory or circulatory problems, exposure to cold and
dampness, diet, smoking and work practices are thought to
contribute to the conditions.
Any tool operator should be aware of the following warning
signs and symptoms so that a problem can be addressed
before it becomes a debilitating injury. Any user suffering
prolonged symptoms of tingling, numbness, blanching of
fingers, clumsiness or weakened grip, nocturnal pain in the
hand, or any other disorder of the shoulders, arms, wrists,
or fingers is advised to consult a physician. If it is deter-
mined that the symptoms are job related or aggravated by
movements and postures dictated by the job design, it may
be necessary for the employer to take steps to prevent
further occurrences. These steps might include, but are not
limited to, repositioning the workpiece or redesigning the
workstation, reassigning workers to other jobs, rotating
jobs, changing work pace, and/or changing the type of tool
used so as to minimize stress on the operator. Some tasks
may require more than one type of tool to obtain the
optimum operator/tool/task relationship.
The following suggestions will help reduce or moderate the
effects of repetitive work motions and/or extended vibration
exposure:
•Use a minimum hand grip force consistent with
proper control and safe operation
•Keep body and hands warm and dry (cold weather is
reported tobeamajorfactorcontributingtoRaynaud's
Syndrome)
•Tasks should be performed in such a manner that the
wrists are maintained in a neutral position, which is
not flexed, hyperextended, or turned side to side
WARNING!
Repetitive work motions and/or vibration
can cause injury to hands and arms.
Use minimum hand grip force.
Keep body and hands warm and dry.
Avoid anything that inhibits blood curculation.
Avoid continuous vibration exposure.
Keep wrists straight.
Avoid repeated bending of wrists and hands.
•Avoid anything that inhibits blood circulation
—Smoking Tobacco (another contributing
factor)
—Cold Temperatures
—Certain Drugs
•Stressful postures should be avoided —select a tool
appropriate for the job and work location
•Avoid highly repetitive movements of hands and
wrists, and continuous vibration exposure (after
each period of operation, exercise to increase blood
circulation)
•Use quality abrasive wheels
•Keep tool well maintained and replace worn parts
Work gloves with vibration reducing liners and wrist sup-
ports are available from some manufacturers of industrial
work gloves. Tool wraps and grips are also available from
a number of different manufacturers. These gloves, wraps,
and wrist supports are designed to reduce and moderate
the effects of extended vibration exposure and repetitive
wrist trauma. Since they vary widely in design, material,
thickness, vibration reduction, and wrist support qualities,
it is recommended that the glove, tool wrap, or wrist support
manufacturer be consulted for items designed for your
specific application. WARNING! Proper fit of gloves is
important. Improperly fitted gloves may restrict blood
flow to the fingers and can substantially reduce grip
strength.
USE QUALITY ABRASIVE WHEELS
The primary source of vibration when using a portable
grinder is an abrasive wheel that is out of balance, out of
round, untrue, or possibly any combination of all three.
The use of quality abrasive wheels which are well bal-
anced, round, and true is highly recommended as they
have been found to significantly reduce vibration. Some
abrasive wheels lose their balance, roundness, and true-
ness as they wear from use. Because of the abusive nature
of the vibration caused by out of balance, out of round, and
untrue condition of some abrasive wheels, it is felt that
these wheels are more susceptible to failure. Excessive
vibration may signal eminent wheel failure. Flat spotting of
the abrasive wheel, caused by grinding the wheel to a stop
after the power has been shut off can result in changes to
the balance and shape of the wheel. Be sure the grinding
wheel has stopped before setting the tool down. Set the tool
in a tool rest or tool holder when not in use.
Extension Neutral Flexion Radial Deviation Neutral Ulnar Deviation
Avoid Avoid Avoid
OK Avoid OK
