Vibration

Workers who operate hand-held machinery, particularly pneumatic rock drills and pick-hammers, can suffer from negative effects in their hands and arms. These negative effects can occur even if the vibration takes place for only one hour a day and can lead to Vibration White Finger (VWF). Vibration White Finger, also referred to as "dead finger," begins when the finger becomes numb and can ultimately result in gangrene.

Prevention of Vibration White Finger

No personal protective equipment (PPE) has been proven to prevent VWF, so miners should take the following precautions to control VWF:

• Avoid long periods using equipment
• Work in short bursts
• Use modern, vibration-dampened equipment
• Repair or replace old equipment, or fit the equipment with anti-vibration handles
• Grip handles as lightly as possible
• Support heavy tools in such a way that a lighter grip can be used
• Maintain vibrating tools in order to minimize vibration levels

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.