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Comparing three methods for evaluating impact wrench vibration emissions.

McDowell TW; Marcotte P; Warren C; Welcome DE; Dong RG

Ann Occup Hyg 2009 Aug; 53(6):617-626

https://doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/mep035

20035825

To provide a means for comparing impact wrenches and similar tools, the international standard ISO 8662-7 prescribes a method for measuring the vibrations at the handles of tools during their operations against a cotton-phenolic braking device. To improve the standard, alternative loading mechanisms have been proposed; one device comprises aluminum blocks with friction brake linings, while another features plate-mounted bolts to provide the tool load. The objective of this study was to evaluate these three loading methods so that tool evaluators can select appropriate loading devices in order to obtain results that can be applied to their specific workplace operations. Six experienced tool operators used five tool models to evaluate the loading mechanisms. The results of this study indicate that different loads can yield different tool comparison results. However, any of the three devices appears to be adequate for initial tool screenings. On the other hand, vibration emissions measured in the laboratory are unlikely to be fully representative of those in the workplace. Therefore, for final tool selections and for reliably assessing workplace vibration exposures, vibration measurements should be collected under actual working conditions. Evaluators need to use appropriate numbers of tools and tool operators in their assessments; recommendations are provided.

Equipment-design; Ergonomics; Exposure-assessment; Exposure-levels; Exposure-methods; Hand-injuries; Hand-tools; Laboratory-testing; Occupational-exposure; Occupational-health; Pneumatic-equipment; Pneumatic-tools; Power-tools; Tools; Vibration-disease; Vibration-effects; Vibration-exposure; Work-analysis; Worker-motivation; Work-operations; Work-performance; Workplace-studies; Work-practices; Author Keywords: hand-transmitted vibration; HAVS; impact wrench; nut runner; threaded fastener

Thomas W. McDowell, NIOSH, Health Effects Laboratory Division, 1095 Willowdale Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505

AOHYA3

20090801

Journal Article

TMcDowell@cdc.gov

2009

6

0003-4878

HELD

Construction

Annals of Occupational Hygiene

WV