U.S. Department of Labor   Occupational Safety & Health Administration   www.osha.gov   [skip navigational links] Search    Advanced Search | A-Z Index

Additional References User Guide Definitions Credits Log Handling, Sorting and Storing Log Breakdown, Related Machinery and Facilities Dry Kilns and Facilities Lumber Storage Plant-Wide Hazards   >> Plant-Wide Hazards   Health Hazards > Vibration Chainsaws produce high levels of vibration, which can cause permanent damage to hands and arms. The risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is dependent on the following factors: vibration levels, length of time the saw is used, position and grips of the saw, and coldness and wetness of the environment and the worker. Exposure to HAVS could produce several adverse health effects such as the following: circulatory disturbances, such as vibration white finger (VWF), sensory nerve damage, and muscle, bone and joint injury. Early Signs/Symptoms Later Signs/Symptoms Solutions/Controls   > Work Areas > Health Hazards >> Vibration > Wood Dust > Cobalt Dust > UV Radiation > Tick-borne Illnesses > Noise and Hearing Loss > Diesel Exhaust > Poisonous Plants > Chemicals > Cold Stresses > Heat Stresses > Miscellaneous Log and Lumber Processing > Traffic Flow/Control > Electrical > Lockout/Tagout Early Signs and Symptoms Intermittent (comes and goes) tingling (needles and pins sensation) of one or more fingers. Blanching (white-color) of fingertips. Pain in fingers that subsides in a short time. Later Signs and Symptoms Loss of sense of touch or numbness. Blanching of entire fingers. Loss of grip strength in hand and fingers. Severe pain in fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome or pressure on nerves in a wrist. Pain and loss of strength in arms. Loss of finger dexterity or coordination. Possible Solutions/Controls Choose chain saws with the lowest vibration level suitable for the job. Allow adequate rest periods. Rotate jobs. Wear warm gloves when in cold temperatures, or anti-vibration gloves. Perform routine chain saw maintenance. Instruct workers not to grip saws too tightly. Remind workers that smoking decreases blood flow to fingers. Advise workers to exercise hands and fingers frequently to increase blood flow. Educate workers and supervisors about vibration hazards and encourage them to report signs and symptoms of HAVS. | Home | Log Handling | Log Breakdown | Dry Kilns | Lumber Storage | | Plant-Wide Hazards | Definitions | Additional References | User Guide | Credits |

Back to Top www.osha.gov		www.dol.gov
Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers
Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210