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Degan GA, Antonucci A, Coltrinari G, Lippiello D. Problems related to measuring the transmissibility of anti-vibration gloves. Possible efficacy for impact tools used in mining and quarrying activities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:704-716. [PMID: 35475952 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2070334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis commentary takes into account some of the most relevant studies investigating the transmissibility of anti-vibration (AV) gloves. AV gloves are almost useless at the palm level in the low frequencies (less than 31.5 Hz), while they generally start to have an appreciable reduction of the vibration over 400 Hz. In their use with impact tools, having a low dominant vibration frequency usually between 25-60 Hz for chipping hammers and drills, and less than 30 Hz for pneumatic breakers, the average transmissibility reduction at the palm level is 13% (min 2% - max 26%) when used with hammers, and 1% (increment of 4% and reduction of 6%) when used with breakers. The transmissibility at the finger level, especially in the low frequencies, is almost nothing or produces an increase of the vibration. Other problems related to the increase of the applied force and the reduction of dexterity are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dario Lippiello
- Department of Engineering, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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2
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Effect of the Shoe Sole on the Vibration Transmitted from the Supporting Surface to the Feet. VIBRATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/vibration4040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vibration transmitted through the foot can lead to vibration white feet, resulting in blanching of the toes and the disruption of blood circulation. Controlled studies identifying industrial boot characteristics effective at attenuating vibration exposure are lacking. This work focused on the evaluation of vibration transmissibility of boot midsole materials and insoles across the range 10–200 Hz at different foot locations. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the comfort of each material. The materials were less effective at attenuating vibration transmitted to the toe region of the foot than the heel. Between 10 and 20 Hz, all midsole materials reduced the average vibration transmitted to the foot. The average transmissibility at the toes above 100 Hz was larger than 1, evidencing that none of the tested material protects the worker from vibration-related risks. There was a poor correlation between the vibration transmissibility and the subjective evaluation of comfort. Future research is needed to identify materials effective for protecting both the toe and the heel regions of the foot. Specific standards for shoe testing are required as well.
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Xu XS, Welcome DE, McDowell TW, Warren C, Service S, Lin H, Chen Q, Dong RG. An investigation of the effectiveness of vibration-reducing gloves for controlling vibration exposures during grinding handheld workpieces. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 95:103454. [PMID: 33989950 PMCID: PMC8262383 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged and intensive vibration exposures during the grinding of handheld workpieces may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome. The objectives of this study are to develop an on-the-hand method for evaluating vibration-reducing (VR) gloves, and to determine whether VR gloves can significantly reduce the vibration exposures. A worker holding and pressing a typical workpiece (golf club head) against a grinding wheel or belt in order to shape the workpiece was simulated, and the input vibration and those on the workpiece and hand-arm system were measured. Ten human subjects participated in the experiment. The results demonstrate that VR gloves significantly reduced the vibrations at the palm, hand dorsum, and wrist. The grinding interface condition and hand feed force did not substantially affect glove effectiveness. The use of gloves slightly increased the workpiece resonant response, but the resonant response did not significantly affect glove effectiveness. This study concluded that the use of VR gloves can help control vibration exposures of workers performing grinding of handheld workpieces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan S Xu
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
| | - Daniel E Welcome
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Thomas W McDowell
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Christopher Warren
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Samantha Service
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Hansheng Lin
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Chen
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ren G Dong
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
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Dong RG, Wu JZ, Xu XS, Welcome DE, Krajnak K. A Review of Hand-Arm Vibration Studies Conducted by US NIOSH since 2000. VIBRATION 2021; 4:482-528. [PMID: 34414357 PMCID: PMC8371562 DOI: 10.3390/vibration4020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies on hand-transmitted vibration exposure, biodynamic responses, and biological effects were conducted by researchers at the Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) during the last 20 years. These studies are systematically reviewed in this report, along with the identification of areas where additional research is needed. The majority of the studies cover the following aspects: (i) the methods and techniques for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure; (ii) vibration biodynamics of the hand-arm system and the quantification of vibration exposure; (iii) biological effects of hand-transmitted vibration exposure; (iv) measurements of vibration-induced health effects; (iv) quantification of influencing biomechanical effects; and (v) intervention methods and technologies for controlling hand-transmitted vibration exposure. The major findings of the studies are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren G. Dong
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - John Z. Wu
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Xueyan S. Xu
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Daniel E. Welcome
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Kristine Krajnak
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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Can Blood Flow be Used to Monitor Changes in Peripheral Vascular Function That Occur in Response to Segmental Vibration Exposure? J Occup Environ Med 2020; 61:162-167. [PMID: 30507789 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Laser Doppler blood flow measurements have been used for diagnosis or detection of peripheral vascular dysfunction. This study used a rat tail model of vibration-induced vascular injury to determine how laser Doppler measurements were affected by acute and repeated exposures to vibration, and to identify changes in the Doppler signal that were associated with the exposure. METHODS Blood flow was measured immediately after a single exposure to vibration, or before vibration exposure on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 of a 20 days exposure. RESULTS After a single exposure to vibration, average tail blood flow was reduced. With 20 days of exposure, there was a reduction in the amplitude of the arterial pulse on days 10 to 20 in vibrated rats and days 15 to 20 in control rats. CONCLUSIONS More detailed statistical analyses of laser Doppler data may be needed to identify early changes in peripheral circulation after exposure to vibration.
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Xu XS, Welcome DE, Warren CM, McDowell TW, Dong RG. Development of a finger adapter method for testing and evaluating vibration-reducing gloves and materials. MEASUREMENT : JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MEASUREMENT CONFEDERATION 2019; 137:362-374. [PMID: 30948862 PMCID: PMC6444365 DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2019.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a convenient and reliable adapter method for testing and evaluating vibration-reducing (VR) gloves and VR materials at the fingers. The general requirements and technical specifications for the design of the new adapter were based on our previous studies of hand-held adapters for vibration measurement and a conceptual model of the fingers-adapter-glove-handle system developed in this study. Two thicknesses (2 mm and 3 mm) of the adapter beam were fabricated using a 3-D printer. Each adapter is a thin beam equipped with a miniature tri-axial accelerometer (1.1 g) mounted at its center, with a total weight ≤ 2.2 g. To measure glove vibration transmissibility, the adapter is held with two gloved fingers; a finger is positioned on each side of the accelerometer. Each end of the adapter beam is slotted between the glove material and the finger. A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate this two-fingers-held adapter method by measuring the transmissibility of typical VR gloves and a sample VR material. The experimental results indicate that the major resonant frequency of the lightweight adapter on the VR material (≥800 Hz) is much higher than the resonant frequencies of the gloved fingers grasping a cylindrical handle (≤300 Hz). The experimental results were repeatable across the test treatments. The basic characteristics of the measured glove vibration transmissibility are consistent with the theoretical predictions based on the biodynamics of the gloved fingers-hand-arm system. The results suggest that VR glove fingers can effectively reduce only high-frequency vibration, and VR effectiveness can be increased by reducing the finger contact force. This study also demonstrated that the finger adapter method can be combined with the palm adapter method prescribed in the standardized glove test, which can double the test efficiency without substantially increasing the expense of the test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan S. Xu
- Corresponding author at: PERB/HELD/NIOSH/CDC, 1095 Willowdale Road, MS L-2027, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. (X.S. Xu)
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Krajnak K, Waugh S. Systemic Effects of Segmental Vibration in an Animal Model of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:886-895. [PMID: 30020212 PMCID: PMC6173648 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemiology suggests that occupational exposure to hand-transmitted (segmental) vibration has local and systemic effects. This study used an animal model of segmental vibration to characterize the systemic effects of vibration. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to tail vibration for 10 days. Genes indicative of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell cycle, along were measured in the heart, kidney, prostate, and liver. RESULTS Vibration increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory gene expression, and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes in heart tissue. In the prostate and liver, vibration resulted in changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and genes involved in cell cycle regulation. CONCLUSIONS These changes are consistent with epidemiological studies suggesting that segmental vibration has systemic effects. These effects may be mediated by changes in autonomic nervous system function, and/or inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Krajnak
- Engineering Controls and Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, Washington
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Pan D, Xu XS, Welcome DE, McDowell TW, Warren C, Wu J, Dong RG. The relationships between hand coupling force and vibration biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:818-830. [PMID: 29086628 PMCID: PMC6530558 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1398843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study conducted two series of experiments to investigate the relationships between hand coupling force and biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system. In the first experiment, the vibration transmissibility on the system was measured as a continuous function of grip force while the hand was subjected to discrete sinusoidal excitations. In the second experiment, the biodynamic responses of the system subjected to a broadband random vibration were measured under five levels of grip forces and a combination of grip and push forces. This study found that the transmissibility at each given frequency increased with the increase in the grip force before reaching a maximum level. The transmissibility then tended to plateau or decrease when the grip force was further increased. This threshold force increased with an increase in the vibration frequency. These relationships remained the same for both types of vibrations. The implications of the experimental results are discussed. Practitioner Summary: Shocks and vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system may cause injuries and disorders of the system. How to take hand coupling force into account in the risk assessment of vibration exposure remains an important issue for further studies. This study is designed and conducted to help resolve this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pan
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Xueyan S Xu
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Daniel E Welcome
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Thomas W McDowell
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Christopher Warren
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - John Wu
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Ren G Dong
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
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Krajnak K. Health effects associated with occupational exposure to hand-arm or whole body vibration. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2018; 21:320-334. [PMID: 30583715 PMCID: PMC6415671 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2018.1557576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Workers in a number of different occupational sectors are exposed to workplace vibration on a daily basis. This exposure may arise through the use of powered-hand tools or hand-transmitted vibration (HTV). Workers might also be exposed to whole body vibration (WBV) by driving delivery vehicles, earth moving equipment, or through use of tools that generate vibration at low dominant frequencies and high amplitudes, such as jackhammers. Occupational exposure to vibration has been associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck, hands, shoulders, and hips. Occupational exposure may also contribute to the development of peripheral and cardiovascular disorders and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, there are more recent data suggesting that occupational exposure to vibration may enhance the risk of developing certain cancers. The aim of this review is to provide an assessment of the occupations where exposure to vibration is most prevalent, and a description of the adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to vibration. This review will examine (1) various experimental methods used to measure and describe the characteristics of vibration generated by various tools and vehicles, (2) the etiology of vibration-induced disorders, and (3) how these data were employed to assess and improve intervention strategies and equipment that reduces the transmission of vibration to the body. Finally, there is a discussion of the research gaps that need to be investigated to further reduction in the incidence of vibration-induced illnesses and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Krajnak
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
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Abstract
For three samples of material (12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 mm diameter) from each of three gloves, the dynamic stiffnesses and the vibration transmissibilities of the materials (to both the palm of the hand and the thenar eminence) were measured at frequencies from 10 to 300 Hz. Additional measurements showed the apparent masses of the hand at the palm and the thenar eminence were independent of contact area at frequencies less than about 40 Hz, but increased with increasing area at higher frequencies. The stiffness and damping of the glove materials increased with increasing area. These changes caused material transmissibilities to the hand to increase with increasing area. It is concluded that the size of the area of contact has a large influence on the transmission of vibration through a glove to the hand. The area of contact should be well-defined and controlled when evaluating the transmission of vibration through gloves. Practitioner Summary: The transmission of vibration through gloves depends on both the dynamic stiffness of glove material and the dynamic response of the hand. Both of these depend on the size of the contact area between a glove material and the hand, which should be taken into account when assessing glove transmissibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairil Anas Md Rezali
- a Human Factors Research Unit , Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton , Southampton , United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Griffin
- a Human Factors Research Unit , Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton , Southampton , United Kingdom
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Hermann T, Dobry MW. Energy evaluation of protection effectiveness of anti-vibration gloves. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2016; 23:415-423. [PMID: 27689305 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1233673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This article describes an energy method of assessing protection effectiveness of anti-vibration gloves on the human dynamic structure. The study uses dynamic models of the human and the glove specified in Standard No. ISO 10068:2012. The physical models of human-tool systems were developed by combining human physical models with a power tool model. The combined human-tool models were then transformed into mathematical models from which energy models were finally derived. Comparative energy analysis was conducted in the domain of rms powers. The energy models of the human-tool systems were solved using numerical simulation implemented in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The simulation procedure demonstrated the effectiveness of the anti-vibration glove as a method of protecting human operators of hand-held power tools against vibration. The desirable effect is achieved by lowering the flow of energy in the human-tool system when the anti-vibration glove is employed.
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Md Rezali KA, Griffin MJ. Transmission of vibration through gloves: effects of material thickness. ERGONOMICS 2016; 59:1026-1037. [PMID: 26647802 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2015.1102334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
It might be assumed that increasing the thickness of a glove would reduce the vibration transmitted to the hand. Three material samples from an anti-vibration glove were stacked to produce three thicknesses: 6.4, 12.8 and 19.2 mm. The dynamic stiffnesses of all three thicknesses, the apparent mass at the palm and the finger and the transmission of vibration to the palm and finger were measured. At frequencies from 20 to 350 Hz, the material reduced vibration at the palm but increased vibration at the finger. Increased thickness reduced vibration at the palm but increased vibration at the finger. The measured transmissibilities could be predicted from the material dynamic stiffness and the apparent mass of the palm and finger. Reducing the dynamic stiffness of glove material may increase or decrease the transmission of vibration, depending on the material, the frequency of vibration and the location of measurement (palm or finger). Practitioner Summary: Transmission of vibration through gloves depends on the dynamic response of the hand and the dynamic stiffness of glove material, which depends on material thickness. Measuring the transmission of vibration through gloves to the palm of the hand gives a misleading indication of the transmission of vibration to the fingers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairil Anas Md Rezali
- a Human Factors Research Unit , Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Michael J Griffin
- a Human Factors Research Unit , Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
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Welcome DE, Dong RG, Xu XS, Warren C, McDowell TW. Tool-specific performance of vibration-reducing gloves for attenuating fingers-transmitted vibration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 13:23-44. [PMID: 27867313 PMCID: PMC5113028 DOI: 10.3233/oer-160235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fingers-transmitted vibration can cause vibration-induced white finger. The effectiveness of vibration-reducing (VR) gloves for reducing hand transmitted vibration to the fingers has not been sufficiently examined. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to examine tool-specific performance of VR gloves for reducing finger-transmitted vibrations in three orthogonal directions (3D) from powered hand tools. METHODS A transfer function method was used to estimate the tool-specific effectiveness of four typical VR gloves. The transfer functions of the VR glove fingers in three directions were either measured in this study or during a previous study using a 3D laser vibrometer. More than seventy vibration spectra of various tools or machines were used in the estimations. RESULTS When assessed based on frequency-weighted acceleration, the gloves provided little vibration reduction. In some cases, the gloves amplified the vibration by more than 10%, especially the neoprene glove. However, the neoprene glove did the best when the assessment was based on unweighted acceleration. The neoprene glove was able to reduce the vibration by 10% or more of the unweighted vibration for 27 out of the 79 tools. If the dominant vibration of a tool handle or workpiece was in the shear direction relative to the fingers, as observed in the operation of needle scalers, hammer chisels, and bucking bars, the gloves did not reduce the vibration but increased it. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the effectiveness for reducing vibration varied with the gloves and the vibration reduction of each glove depended on tool, vibration direction to the fingers, and finger location. VR gloves, including certified anti-vibration gloves do not provide much vibration reduction when judged based on frequency-weighted acceleration. However, some of the VR gloves can provide more than 10% reduction of the unweighted vibration for some tools or workpieces. Tools and gloves can be matched for better effectiveness for protecting the fingers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Welcome
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ren G Dong
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Xueyan S Xu
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Christopher Warren
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Thomas W McDowell
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Hewitt S, Dong R, McDowell T, Welcome D. The Efficacy of Anti-vibration Gloves. ACOUSTICS AUSTRALIA 2016; 44:121-127. [PMID: 27582615 PMCID: PMC5003016 DOI: 10.1007/s40857-015-0040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Anyone seeking to control the risks from vibration transmitted to the hands and arms may contemplate the use of anti-vibration gloves. To make an informed decision about any type of personal protective equipment, it is necessary to have performance data that allow the degree of protection to be estimated. The information provided with an anti-vibration glove may not be easy to understand without some background knowledge of how gloves are tested and does not provide any clear route for estimating likely protection. Some of the factors that influence the potential efficacy of an anti-vibration glove include how risks from hand-arm vibration exposure are assessed, how the standard test for a glove is carried out, the frequency range and direction of the vibration for which protection is sought, how much hand contact force or pressure is applied and the physical limitations due to glove material and construction. This paper reviews some of the background issues that are useful for potential purchasers of anti-vibration gloves. Ultimately, anti-vibration gloves cannot be relied on to provide sufficient and consistent protection to the wearer and before their use is contemplated all other available means of vibration control ought first to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Hewitt
- Health and Safety Executive, Harpur Hill, Buxton, SK17 9JN UK
| | - Ren Dong
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | - Tom McDowell
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | - Daniel Welcome
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
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Dong RG, Sinsel EW, Welcome DE, Warren C, Xu XS, McDowell TW, Wu JZ. Review and Evaluation of Hand-Arm Coordinate Systems for Measuring Vibration Exposure, Biodynamic Responses, and Hand Forces. Saf Health Work 2016; 6:159-73. [PMID: 26929824 PMCID: PMC4674512 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The hand coordinate systems for measuring vibration exposures and biodynamic responses have been standardized, but they are not actually used in many studies. This contradicts the purpose of the standardization. The objectives of this study were to identify the major sources of this problem, and to help define or identify better coordinate systems for the standardization. This study systematically reviewed the principles and definition methods, and evaluated typical hand coordinate systems. This study confirms that, as accelerometers remain the major technology for vibration measurement, it is reasonable to standardize two types of coordinate systems: a tool-based basicentric (BC) system and an anatomically based biodynamic (BD) system. However, these coordinate systems are not well defined in the current standard. Definition of the standard BC system is confusing, and it can be interpreted differently; as a result, it has been inconsistently applied in various standards and studies. The standard hand BD system is defined using the orientation of the third metacarpal bone. It is neither convenient nor defined based on important biological or biodynamic features. This explains why it is rarely used in practice. To resolve these inconsistencies and deficiencies, we proposed a revised method for defining the realistic handle BC system and an alternative method for defining the hand BD system. A fingertip-based BD system for measuring the principal grip force is also proposed based on an important feature of the grip force confirmed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren G Dong
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Erik W Sinsel
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Daniel E Welcome
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Christopher Warren
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Xueyan S Xu
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Thomas W McDowell
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - John Z Wu
- Engineering & Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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