The effects of rivet guns on hand-arm vibration

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rivet guns on hand-arm vibration. Vibration data were collected from five male and five female subjects using 12 rivet guns (from four different manufacturers depicted here as types 1, 2, 3, and 4 with large, medium, and small sizes in each type) at three different postures (neutral, 1 3 maximum flexion, and 1 3 maximum ulnar deviation) and two different levels of applied force (8 and 12 lbs). The results of analysis indicated that the level of vibration entering the hand was significantly higher for type 4 and large size than for other types and sizes. Comparing with the ISO standard, type 4 rivet guns could be used for less than 30 min in a day. Results of detailed analysis and the ergonomic ramifications as well as practical applications of this finding are discussed in the body of the paper. Relevance to industry The results of this study would assist the manufacturers producing the rivet guns to devise methods of reducing the vibration at the production stage itself. Similarly, these results would help the user industries to take necessary precautionary measures so as to reduce the risk of injury to the employees.

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