ON VIBRATION HAZARDS OF CHIPPING-HAMMER OPERATORS IN AN IRON FOUNDRY : Part 1. Results of the First Investigation

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  • 某鉄工所におけるチッピングハンマ使用者の振動障害　Ｉ　　初期における調査結果の検討
  • ボウテッコウジョ ニ オケル チッピング ハンマー シヨウシャ ノ シンドウ

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Abstract

We investigated vibration hazards of chipping-hammer operators at the time when no preventive measures were taken against them. Their working hours were 420 minutes in a day, and 180-210 minutes on an average were spent in using chipping-hammers. The vibration exposure time was 50-80 percent of the total chipping hours. The outdoor temperature in the daytime was -2-2°C in winter and 19-25°C in summer. The indoor temperature of the workshop was thought to be similar to that of the outdoor because of the wind that blew through. Chipping-hammers were mainly CH-11 type and partially N-3, made by Hiroshima Kogyo Co. Ltd. Both of the tools weighed 4-5 kg, the noise level was 114-115 phon (C), and the vibration energy at the handle 143-147 dB, ref. 100 dB=1 m/sec2 (rms). In this iron foundry many chipping-hammers have been introduced since 1955, but no preventive measures have been taken against vibration hazards. Physical examinations were made on 40 workers in March, 1975. Twenty-five men among them were using chipping-hammers (Group A), 7 had stopped using them for less than two years because of the severe vibration disease (Group B), and 8 were healthy physical workers who had not used these hammers and any other vibrating tools (Group C). Their average age and the term of usage of chipping-hammers respectively (in years) were, Group A: 45.1, 11.7, Group B: 44.3, 11.1, Group C: 42.8. Attack rate of waxy white fingers was 64% in Group A, 43% in Group B, 0% in Group C. The term of the first appearance of the attack was as follows; Group A:40% within 5 years, 56% within 10 years. The attack of benumbed hands and fingers was 60% in Group A, 29% in Group B, 0% in Group C. And the term of the first appearance of the numbness was as follows; Group A: 36% within 5 years, 52% within 10 years. The subjects were given such objective tests as decrease in the grasping power and pinching power, tapping test, and cooling test by immersing the hands in cold water at 10°C. Group A was worst in the results of physical examinations and Groups B and C were of good results in ascending order. Abnormalities discovered through the objective examinations proved to correlate with subjective complaints. Therefore, it can be said that these tests are useful in picking up suffering men among laborers using chipping-hammers. Because of the absence of the preventive measures against the vibration disease for the past many years, the incidence of the vibration disease has been large enough. The preventive measures should be taken immediately.

Journal

  • Sangyo Igaku

    Sangyo Igaku 23 (1), 51-60, 1981

    Japan Society for Occupational Health

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