VIBRATION

SAFETY TRAINING
TABLE OF CONTENT

1 Aim and Objective

2 What is Vibration? & Its Importance

Types of Vibration & How Vibration Affects the

3
Human Body

4 Common High-Vibration Tools

5 Reducing Ergonomic Risk Factors

6 Keep Your Tools in Top Shape

7 What to Do If You Have Symptoms

 Aim / Objectives

This training aims to raise awareness among workers and supervisors about the risks

associated with hand-arm and whole-body vibration in the workplace. The objective is

to educate participants on identifying early symptoms, understanding safe exposure

limits, using correct protective equipment, adopting safe tool handling practices, and

promoting a proactive approach to reporting and preventing vibration-related injuries.

What is Vibration?

Definition of Vibration

Repetitive mechanical oscillations—back-and-forth or up-and-

down—transmitted from tools or machinery to the human body.

Key Frequency Ranges

High-frequency (>100 Hz) affects hands/wrists; low-frequency (<100

Hz) targets limbs and torso.

Absorption Pathways

Energy enters through contact points—hands, feet, or buttocks—

based on tool and posture.

Importance of Ergonomics in Vibration Safety

A Foundational Principle for Risk Reduction

Ergonomic Design Reduces Risk Enhances Worker Efficiency Supports Long-Term

Health
❑ Improves performance,
❑ Reduces exposure and strain. ❑ Prevents cumulative trauma.
reduces fatigue.

Good ergonomics reduces tool vibration and operator

strain. It’s proactive—solving problems before they begin.
Types of Vibration

There are two types of Vibration

Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) Segmental Vibration

Absorbed via buttocks/feet in machinery. Hand-arm exposure from power tools.

How Vibration Affects the Human Body

Neuromuscular Strain

Causes fatigue, reduced grip strength,

and impaired motor coordination in limbs.

Circulatory Disruption

Raynaud’s, blanching, cold fingers balancing

, and cold sensitivity-halimarks of Raynaud's syndrome.

Vibration wears down muscles, nerves,

and joints, with symptoms like numbness
Joint and Tissue Damage or pain that worsen over time.
Chronic pain, arthritis symptoms, cartilage wear,
and chronic pain in joints and spine.
How many Exposed?

Approximately 1.2 million exposed

50 -- 60 % of worker population have symptoms

What They Changed

They swapped out old power tools with newer, low-vibration
models and set strict limits on how long each tool could be used.
What Happened
In just six months, reported hand issues dropped by 70%. People
said they felt less tired, more productive, and safer at work.
Why It Paid Off
Although new tools cost more upfront, the company saved money
by having fewer injury claims and less downtime.
 Common Symptoms of Vibration Syndrome

Early Indicators and Progressive Damage

• Cold Sensitivity Reduced blood circulation causes discomfort in cold conditions.

• Tingling & Numbness Indicates nerve compression and circulation loss in extremities.

• Blanching Fingers Sudden whitening of fingers (Raynaud’s syndrome) from vascular spasm.

• Persistent Pain Localized or radiating pain due to inflammation or musculoskeletal damage.

NOTE: Workers exposed to vibration often dismiss early signs—like tingling or stiffness—as minor. But
these symptoms can escalate quickly. Cold weather may intensify discomfort, and fingers might lose color
(blanch) due to spasms in blood vessels. Numbness and reduced hand function suggest nerve and tissue
damage. Early reporting and control measures are crucial to prevent permanent injury.
Who is at Risk?

Tool Operators Machinery Drivers

Using grinders, riveters, hammers, Heavy vehicle operators exposed to WBV
drills, chainsaws. through seats or platforms.

Construction & Mining Crews Assembly Line and Maintenance Workers

High exposure from powered equipment Repetitive tool use or standing near
and hand tools. vibrating surfaces.

NOTE: Anyone working with or near vibrating machinery is at risk. Construction workers, mechanics, and
even maintenance teams who touch or stand near vibrating equipment can absorb harmful energy.
Awareness must extend to all these roles to ensure complete protection.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

Vascular Spasm Response Blood vessels constrict, leading to whitened fingers under cold or vibration stress.
Episodic Finger Blanching Sudden, temporary whitening in response to cold or pressure—linked to tool exposure.
Pain and Numbness Accompanied by throbbing, burning, or tingling sensation after color returns.

NOTE: Raynaud’s Syndrome is the most visible sign of vibration-

induced vascular injury. Often called “Vibration White Finger,” it presents

as sudden whitening and numbness in the fingers—especially when
exposed to cold. These attacks are due to blood vessel spasms, which
block circulation. The danger is that this condition can become permanent,
reducing dexterity and causing intense pain.
Common High-Vibration Tools

Forestry and Landscaping

Handheld Power Tools Construction Gear
Equipment

❑ Grinders, sanders, ❑ Chainsaws, brush ❑ Jackhammers, concrete

drills, impact hammers, cutters, pole pruners. saws, pneumatic tools.
chipping tools.
Machinery and Industrial Settings

Whole-body vibration, or WBV, is a critical safety concern in industrial environments, often amplified by the

very machinery designed to enhance productivity.

❑ Mobile Equipment
Excavators, tractors, loaders, forklifts transmit WBV
through seating.
❑ Static Plant Equipment
Fixed drills, grinders, or mixers generate platform
vibration.
❑ Long-Duration Exposure Zones
Assembly lines or workstations with prolonged contact
risk.
Vibrational Transmission Routes

Hand-Arm Transmission
Tool handles conduct oscillation directly into fingers, wrist, elbow.

Seat-Surface Transmission
Chairs and platforms in vehicles pass vibration through spine and pelvis.

Foot Transmission
Standing on vibrating platforms causes whole-body resonance.

Vibration enters the body through any surface in prolonged contact with a vibrating system. Hands, feet, and
buttocks are all at risk. Understanding the route helps in applying the right controls—like changing posture,
isolating vibration, or using suspension seats.
Core Drivers of Vibration Severity

1 Amplitude (Force)

2 Frequency

3 Duration

❑ Duration: Longer use increases cumulative exposure, tissue fatigue.

❑ Frequency: Specific frequencies target body systems, fine vs. gross control.
❑ Amplitude (Force): Greater oscillation strength means
deeper tissue penetration, more damage.
Posture, Grip, and Force

❑ Excessive Grip Force

Tighter grips amplify vibration transmission into the body.

❑ Awkward Posture

Increases stress on joints and tissues absorbing

vibration.

❑ Repetitive Actions

Compound micro trauma when repeated under vibration

❑ Operator behavior can intensify the effects of vibration. For example, gripping a grinder too tightly
stress.
transmits more force into the arm. Similarly, working at odd angles—like overhead drilling—puts more

load on already vulnerable joints.

Role of clothing and equipment

Clothing and equipment play a crucial role in managing the impact of ergonomic vibration on workers.

Properly selected and designed items can help reduce the transmission of vibration to the body, minimize

discomfort, and prevent injuries related to prolonged exposure.

❑ PPE Insulation

Anti-vibration gloves and cushioned gear reduce impact load.

❑ Loose or Cold-Wet Clothing

Increases cold exposure risk and impairs circulation.

❑ Tool Attachments and Handles

Poor designs worsen vibration; good designs dampen it.

Reducing Ergonomic Risk Factors

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) can often be prevented by fitting the

job to the worker using three main approaches:
1. Engineering Controls
❑ Redesign workstations/tools to promote neutral postures
❑ Use lifting devices or reduce load weight
❑ Eliminate excessive reaching/leaning
2. Administrative Controls
❑ Implement team lifting and job rotation
❑ Use floaters for break coverage
❑ Maintain power/pneumatic tools
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
❑ Use padding for protection from vibration or sharp surfaces
❑ Wear thermal gloves for cold conditions with grip
Transmission Control

Limit how vibration travels from the tool or machine into the operator’s body.

Platform and Workstation

Isolation

Use suspended
Tool Design platforms, padded
Enhancements mats, and ergonomic Interface Damping
seating.
For standing
workers, install anti-
Use anti-vibration
fatigue flooring that Use specialized
handles and grips
absorbs low- gloves, seat
with shock-
frequency vibrations. cushions, or custom
absorbing
sleeves.
materials.
Even layering
Install
rubber or gel pads
counterweights or
between the tool
gyroscopes inside
and hand can
rotating tools to
reduce exposure.
balance movement.
Process Modification for Vibration Control

Change how the task is done to reduce the need for vibration-producing tools or methods.

Task Cycle Time Task

Reengineering Limitation Substitution

Limit use of high- Replace vibrating

Alternate tasks with
vibration tools
vibration- alternatives: use
and track
heavy tasks chemical
exposure with
with rest or concrete
alarms or logs."
low-vibration breakers instead
tasks. of mechanical
chiseling.
Ergonomic Design in the Workplace

Ergonomic design in the workplace aims to optimize the interaction between workers and their environment,
minimizing risks associated with vibration exposure. This involves designing tools, workstations, and work
tasks to reduce vibration transmission to the hands and body, promoting worker comfort, safety, and
productivity.
1. Adjustable Seating and Work Surfaces
❑ Seats should isolate vibration and support posture.
❑ Workbenches should allow neutral wrist and arm angles.
2. Tool Positioning
❑ Mount tools when possible to reduce operator contact time.
❑ Ensure handles are aligned with natural hand angles to reduce strain.
3. Standing Ergonomics
❑ Provide shock-absorbing mats.
❑ Allow for footrests or alternate stances to shift load distribution.
Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves that Help

Use special anti-vibration gloves. They make tools easier on

your hands—but they can’t protect your whole body.

Warm, Dry Clothing

Cold hands get hurt more easily. Insulated gloves and jackets Vibration Gloves

keep your blood flowing.

Good Shoes

Use cushioned shoes or boots if you're standing on vibrating

floors. They protect your legs and spine.

Keep Your Tools in Top Shape

Check Before Use Clean and Maintain Regularly Track Tool Vibration

Inspect tools for loose parts Dirt or imbalance causes Some workplaces use
or damage. A damaged tool extra vibration. Regular meters to measure how
vibrates more and increases cleaning keeps tools running much a tool vibrates. If its
injury risk. smoother and safer. too high, report it.
Smart Work Habits

Don’t Grip Too Hard:

Use a firm but relaxed grip. Tighter holds send more
vibration into your hands.

Switch Hands & Take Breaks:

Alternate hands and rest often to reduce the load on
your body.

Stay in comfortable posture:

Avoid working with bent wrists or arms overhead. Keep
your body in a neutral position.
Tracking Vibration Exposure

❑ Daily Time Limits:

There is a safe limit for how long you should use vibrating tools
each day. Stay under it to avoid harm.

❑ Use Exposure Logs:

Track how long and how often you use each tool. It helps identify
who needs a break or rotation.

❑ Reports Symptoms Early:

If your hands tingle, feel cold, or ache report it. These are early
signs of injury.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms

❑ Know the Warning Signs

If your fingers feel numb, tingle, or turn white in cold weather, it
could be an early sign of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
(HAVS). These symptoms may start mild but can get worse if
ignored.
❑ Get Checked by a Medical Professional
A doctor can do tests to see if your blood flow or nerves are
affected. The sooner you’re checked, the easier it is to prevent
long-term damage.
"Tingling or numb fingers? Speak up
❑ Inform Your Supervisor Immediately early. A quick break or tool change can
prevent long-term injury."
You may need to stop using certain tools or rotate to less risky
tasks. Ignoring symptoms could lead to permanent nerve or
circulation damage.
Summary

❑ Keep vibration exposure under 2.5 m/s² ❑ Maintain and check tools regularly

daily
❑ Report numbness or tingling early
❑ Use anti-vibration gloves and cushioned
❑ Attend safety training and follow guidelines
shoes

❑ Wear warm clothes in cold environments ❑ Stay updated on safer tools and equipment

❑ Avoid tight grip and awkward posture ❑ Make vibration safety part of your daily habit

❑ Take breaks and switch hands often