Disorders induced by work with hand-held vibrating tools : a review of current knowledge for criteria documentation / Gösta Gemne, Ronnie Lundström, Jan-Erik Hansson

• A review of literature data with respect to criteria documentation has been carried out. On the basis of current knowledge, it was concluded that no general quantitative relationships exist between vibration exposure and the occurrence of injury, which would permit the establishment of threshold limit values for any of the components of the hand-arm vibration syndrome. There is no scientific basis for using the model in the Annex of ISO 5349 to evaluate harmfulness of various exposure with respect to white fingers. Exposure reduction should be aimed at through preference of tools with lower acceleration levels, as measured according to ISO 5349, and through technical measures and medical surveillance. Research is needed to establish exposure-response relationships addressing the specific factors taht are decisive for the risks associated with various types of tools, work processes and work methods, as well as with biodynamic and biomechanical factors. 
• Research designed to obtain data on which criteria can be based should be performed in prospective studies, with collection of frequency-unweighted measurement values for later analysis in different ways. Financial support should favour research projects that employ adequate epidemiological methods and measurement techniques. 

Ämnesord

Arm  (MeSH)

Hand  (MeSH)

Vibration  (MeSH)

Handverktyg  (albt//swe)

Hälsorisker  (albt//swe)

Hygieniska gränsvärden  (albt//swe)

Risk  (albt//swe)

Vibration  (albt//swe)

Hand tools  (albt//swe)

Health hazards  (albt//swe)

Occupational exposure limits  (albt//swe)

Risk  (albt//swe)

Vibration  (albt//swe)