Vibrating tools:

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS

Machining vibrations

correspond to therelative movementbetween the

work piece and thecutting tool. The vibrations result
in waves on themachined surface. This affects typical
machining processes, such asturning,millingand
drilling, and atypical machining processes, such as
grinding.

Examples of vibrating
construction tools:

Plate Compactor

Internal Vibrating Pokers for Concrete

Vibrating Screen

Plate Compactor

A plate compactors is a construction equipment used to

compress some types of soil and gravel for construction
projects that require a stable subsurface.

The core of the machine is a heavy, flat plate that rests on

the ground when the machine is off. The plate is driven or
vibrated up and down.

As the machine runs, the heavy plate on the bottom of the

machine moves up and down quickly. The combination of
rapid impacts, plate weight and impact force forces the soil
underneath to compact or pack together more tightly.

Internal Vibrating Pokers for Concrete

Concrete Vibrate Pokers but they are sometimes called

Internal Vibrators, Internal Pokers.

A cylindrical steel head that vibrates, this is attached

to a flexible shaft or hose. The hose /shaft transmits
the power to head and is used to lower and raise the
head from freshly poured concrete.

Vibrating Screen

The vibrating screen is a large mechanical tool used to

separate solids, liquids and powders. Industries as
diverse as mining operations, chemical companies and
construction firms utilize these tools to help sort and
clean items.

Vibration in construction work

Construction workers are at high risk of ill-health from

using vibrating work tools. When using these tools
vibration is transmitted into the workers hands and
arms causing hand-arm vibration

Symptoms

Symptoms of hand-arm vibration exposure can appear a few months after

exposure but it can also take years for them to develop.

The symptoms include:

Tingling and numbness in the fingers

Loss of sensation (not being able to feel things properly)

Loss of strength in the hands

Fingers going white (blanching) and then become red and painful on recovery (particularly
in cold and wet weather).

The symptoms are likely to get worse with repeated exposure and can lead to permanent
conditions.

Effects

Reduced grip strength, which might affect the ability to work

safely

Inability to do fine-tuned work

What your employer must do?

Every employer has a duty to protect its workers from risks to

health and safety, including from risks of vibration. Employers
need to plan and implement measures to reduce this risk. They
have to assess the risk to health from vibration, find out what
levels of vibration workers are exposed to and reduce the level of
vibration as far as possible.

What you can do

In addition to the employers duties there are a number of ways in which you can help to
reduce the vibration level you are exposed to.

Ask your employer if the job could be done without using vibrating tools and
machines.

Before using a tool make sure it has been properly maintained and repaired to avoid
increased vibration caused by faults or general wear.

Make sure cutting tools are kept sharp so that they remain efficient.

Reduce the amount of time you use a tool in one go, by doing other jobs in between.

Encourage good blood circulation by keeping warm and dry (when necessary, wear
gloves, etc).

Massage and exercise your fingers during work breaks.

Get help early

END