HAVS and Anti Vibration Gloves

Posted on June 29, 2010 | Category: Featured, Tools Trivia

If you work with constantly vibrating machinery, or you have a loved one who does this type of work, you should be aware of some potential health issues.  All of that vibrating is not doing anything good for you.  When all of that vibration is taking place, the energy is traveling into the body of the person doing the work.  The shaking and vibrating caused by running these powerful tools can damage nerves and blood vessels.

Hand – Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that can come about from exposing the hands and arms to constant vibration.  This problem sometimes shows itself with workers who perform jobs such as running a jackhammer.  The condition is also sometimes called White Finger Syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon.  Aches and pains are a common symptom, as is the discoloration of the fingers.  The constant vibration caused by running power tools can damage the small blood vessels in the hands and arms over time.

Of course, if you suspect you are developing any work related symptoms, you should get to your physician as soon as possible to get yourself assessed.  If you are performing work that involves large amounts of vibration, you can take some precautionary steps to minimize your risk of developing HAVS.  If possible, you should avoid holding vibrating tools too tightly.  A looser grip will help to lessen the amount of vibration traveling through the hands and arms.  So too will using anti-vibration gloves which have been specifically designed to absorb some of the damaging vibrations.  Finally, do your best to keep the tools you are using in top performing condition.

If you are looking to purchase a pair of anti vibration gloves, read about them and learn all that you can.  You may be surprised to find that prices can vary quite a bit.  Before you immediately choose the least expensive option, do a bit of research and check out the full descriptions and features of each type of glove.  The few dollars you save today might not seem so important down the line if you develop problems.  Because people are sometime hesitant to spend money on themselves for work related items, these gloves might also make nice presents for men in your life who run the risk of developing HAVS.  These gloves could turn out to be a very valuable gift over time.

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