Vibrations – where would we be without them? It might seem like a strange question, but without vibrations the world would be a very different place as there’d be no sound at all.
That would mean we’d never hear our child’s first words, listen to the beautiful songbirds singing or relax to our favourite music, which for many represent the most beautiful and meaningful human experiences.
But although vibrations undoubtedly give our lives some of its beauty, they can also pose a health and safety risk, especially in the workplace.
In this blog post we’ll go over some of the risks associated with vibrations. We’ll also cover the main ways to mitigate those risks, while explaining the vital role bearings play in helping keep us safe.
Vibration Risks
If you’ve ever used a piece of equipment that vibrated, chances are you didn’t give it much thought. But for those who use power tools or heavy machinery for prolonged periods of time, vibrations are a real danger.
That’s because excessive exposure to vibration can be extremely damaging to the blood vessels, joints and muscles in the hand, resulting in a condition known as vibration white finger (VWF).
Also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), this condition causes fingers to tingle, turn white and experience a complete loss of sensation. Moreover, the condition can lead to musculoskeletal disorders which are not just painful but can severely hinder the use of the hands, which can prevent an individual from working or performing everyday tasks effectively.
How To Avoid Excessive Vibrations
So now we know how hazardous vibrations can be, the question is how do we avoid them? For those working with these hazardous tools, personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a pivotal role in protecting the hands and arms from vibrations.
Anti-vibration gloves are the main form of PPE to protect against VWF. These specialised gloves are made from materials that absorb and reduce the vibrations.
Additionally, keeping the hands warm is also crucial, so thermal gloves can also be beneficial as they help keep blood flowing which is important for preventing and reducing the symptoms of VWF.
How Bearings Reduce Vibrations
Along with PPE, there’s another tool in our arsenal to fight off VWF: bearings. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to reduce vibrations. By acting as a buffer, bearing absorb and distribute forces, creating a smoother operational environment that’s much kinder to both the machinery and the hands operating it!
By providing stability and reducing friction, bearings play a pivotal role in mitigating vibrations, steadying the ship and ensuring our health and safety remains intact.
Worn-Out Bearings
So now we’ve learned about the important role bearings play in reducing vibrations and friction, it’s important to remind you that this only applies if they’re in a good condition.
Over time, bearings get worn down due to all the friction they endure. If the bearings you’re using get worn down, rather than reducing vibration they can actually make it worse.
Worn-out bearings create a ticking time bomb as not only do they exacerbate the tremors but they can also lead to tools or machinery breaking down. As well as impacting operational efficiency, it can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
This is why proper, regular maintenance of bearings is paramount. Regular checking, lubricating and replacing your bearings is essential if you want to ensure they function optimally.
By putting in place and sticking to proper maintenance schedules, you can spot any signs of wear and tear early on, allowing you to fix the problem before it gets worse.
So those are the main risks of vibrations, as well as how to mitigate them. As you can see, with proper PPE and some quality bearings that are maintained and replaced frequently, you can avoid the perils of those vibrations!
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