| Document ID (ISN) | 35255 |
| CIS number |
81-389 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0340-0131 - International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health |
| Year |
1980 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Title |
Epidemiological survey of shipyard workers exposed to hand-arm vibration. |
| Bibliographic information |
1980, Vol.46, No.3, p.251-266. 11 ref. |
| Abstract |
169 caulkers were examined to determine the prevalence of vibration syndrome due to work with pneumatic chipping hammers and grinders. Chipping hammers produced the highest acceleration levels and exceeded the maximum ISO limits even for a short exposure (30min per shift). Results of medical investigations were: 78.7% paraesthesia of the hand; 31.3% Raynaud's phenomenon; 20.1% radiological signs of osteoarthritis of wrist and shoulder; 10% olecranon exostoses; 31.3% cysts of carpal bones. The basal skin thermometric map (recorded in 16 positions for each hand) showed an average difference of 2-2.5°C between the caulkers and controls. The thermometric curve, monitored every 3min over a 40-min period following a provocative cold test, proved to be a reliable method for differentiating between exposed workers and controls. Skin temperature measurements (before and after the cold test) are recommended for epidemiological purposes. Preventive measures include: replacement of old tools, periodical balancing of tool elements, damping by rubber tool handles, maximum daily exposure 4h. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
vibrating tools; shipyards; Raynaud's phenomenon; vibration |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
vibration disease; paraesthesia; osteoarthritis; skin temperature |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Noise, hearing and vibration
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Hand and portable tools
Vibration
Cardiovascular diseases
Shipbuliding and ship repair
|
