Vibration Toolbox Talk
Use this vibration toolbox talk for information about operating tools and machinery safely. Reduce the risk of injuries and accidents in your workplace thanks to this completely free toolbox talk on vibration. To learn more about TBTs and view and download 60+ others covering many more topics head to our toolbox talks kit.
Free hand arm vibration toolbox talk
Introduction
Vibration can cause serious and disabling injuries, but many operatives are unaware of the risks. Many construction tools can cause vibration including road breakers, chainsaws, percussive hand tools, rotating hand tools, and riveting guns.
Main points
- Reduce the potential for vibration by carefully selecting work equipment (i.e., use vibration absorbing features).
- If using work equipment that causes vibration, then plan the task so that it’s broken up with other activities, or rotate the task amongst several employees.
- If you think you are suffering from the effects of vibration, then stop the activity immediately and speak to your supervisor. If necessary, seek medical advice.
Discussion points
- Vibration can affect the whole body, but it more commonly affects the hands and arms.
- The first signs may simply be tingling in the fingers, but it can also result in fatigue, irritation, and loss of concentration – thus increasing the general risks to safety at work.
- Longer-term effects can include damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, tendons and body organs, and potentially lead to Vibration White Finger (VWF).
- Always wear adequate clothing to keep dry and maintain hand and body temperatures (cold is a contributory factor to VWF). Heavily padded gloves do not protect against vibration and can even increase vibration levels.
- Always let the work equipment do the work for you. Grip the handle as lightly as possible while ensuring sufficient grip is maintained for safety.
- Do not use blunt tools – keep tools sharp and use the right tool for the job.
- Note that nicotine reduces the blood supply to hands and fingers. If you’re a smoker, you’re at increased risk of VWF.
Conduct a vibration risk assessment to improve safety levels in your workplace.
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