Vibration hazard
Hand-arm vibration (HAV)
Exposure to HAV can result in disrupted circulation in the hand and forearm and/or damage to
nerves and tendons, muscles, bones and joints of the hand and arm. It can cause a range of
conditions collectively known as hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and specific disorders
such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ‘tennis elbow’ and ‘vibration white finger’. Workers with expo-
sure to vibration while performing other hazardous manual tasks may also experience pain in
the hands and arms and diminished muscle strength.
See Canadian fact http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/vibration/vibration_effect-
s.html
http://www.cchst.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/vibration/vibration_effects.html
Reducing the risk of hand-arm vibration
Normal use of the Post Pounder exposes the operator to vibration. Vibrations from handheld
machines are transmitted into the hands via the handles. The spring dampened handles on
the Post Pounder are designed to dampen a large part of the initial vibrations. Further mea-
sures are required as vibrations are not eliminated completely.
• We recommend operators/employers implement a program of health surveillance to
detect early symptoms that may relate to vibration exposure, so that management
procedures can be modified to help prevent significant disability.
• If numbness, tingling, pain, clumsiness, weakened grip, whitening of the skin, or other
symptoms occur at any time, when operating the machine or when not operating the
machine, do not resume operating the machine and seek medical attention.
• Let the tool do the job. Use a firm, but minimum hand grip, consistent with proper control and safe operation.
• When the impact mechanism is activated, the only body contact with the Post Pounder
should be hands on the spring dampened handles. Avoid any other contact, e.g. supporting any part of the body against the machine or leaning onto the machine trying to
increase the feed force.
• Never keep the throttle engaged while removing the Post Pounder from the post.
• Immediately stop working if the machine suddenly starts to vibrate strongly. Before resuming the work, find and remedy the cause of the increased vibrations.