Abstract
Objectives
To quantify variance components of hand-arm vibration exposure from data collected in a laboratory study of four different angle grinders.
Methods
Four different angle grinders were sent to seven laboratories for grinding tests by three operators at each laboratory. Vibration in both the throttle and support handles was measured. For one grinder, the experimental set-up was repeated and two measurements were collected for that specific grinder.
Results
At least one-third of the estimated variability is attributable to the wheel and less than one-third to the operator. In repeated experiments, between-occasion, operator and wheel factors explained 4, 29 and 17% of the total variability, respectively.
Conclusions
Since measured vibrations in the support and throttle handles are significantly differed, measurements should be taken at both locations. Factors influencing vibration variability include the presence/absence of an auto balance unit, wheel and operator, but other factors remain to be elucidated.
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Acknowledgments
The ISO/TC118/SC3/WG3 and Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research supported this study. We are grateful to Lars Skogsberg Atlas Copco AB Stockholm, Sweden for reviewing the paper.
Conflict of Interest statement
The authors I Liljelind, J Wahlström, Nilsson, T Nilsson declare that they have no conflict of interest. M Persson is employed at Atlas Copco Tools AB, Sweden.
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Liljelind, I., Wahlström, J., Nilsson, L. et al. Can we explain the exposure variability found in hand-arm vibrations when using angle grinders? A round robin laboratory study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 83, 283–290 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0498-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0498-2