Hand Arm vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

[Jamesuk]

Anyone come across this problem with using equipment that will cause nerve damage?

Boat polishers only can be used for 20 minutes a day for example (Silverline Orbital polisher)

 

[NotBirdseye]

That's Raynauds Syndrome, commonly known as white finger. I *used* to have Raynauds Phenomenon myself (quite severely, feet, hands, nose, tongue and ears, blue/white/black) but it's been gone for quite a while now. Any equipment like sanders, drills, have the potential to cause this issue. Some people are more sensitive to it than others. It's even possible from hammering in nails. There's a genetic factor involved.

Raynauds does not *usually* affect the arms, so that's a misnomer, although shooting pains are possible where nerve endings haven't quite gone numb. If you're unlucky you might have some numbness but that's actually due to the hands not the arms.

You can use the boat polisher for a couple of hours if it's over the course of a day or two (and then you have a few weeks rest), the issue with Raynauds Syndrome (Syndrome is where the trigger is secondary for example vibrational) is when usage is every day for a long period, this causes the nerves to become damaged and unable to repair themselves. Once you have it however, it very rarely permanently goes away and can be triggered by such things as riding around in a car.

Edit:

I would strongly recommend consulting the HSE on the matter: http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/readyreckoner.htm

Common medication includes: Nifedipine and Viagra (I kid you not). Once you have this condition, you will become OCD with proper handwashing (as it's the fastest way to get blood back into those fingers).

 

[johnalison]

It was known as white-finger syndrome and well known among people who operated such items as road drills.

Along with other members of my family, I have Raynaulds and it can be something of a trial. It mainly happens during cold weather and any source of vibration can induce it. In winter I have to take a hot water bottle in the car because the vibration from the steering wheel will make me lose fingers. If I walk with a walking-stick, which I sometimes do, even the vibration from the stick on the ground will cause at least one finger to go white.

I think that the risk to non-sufferers from occasional use of ordinary power tools must be pretty small, at least in warm weather, but maybe some caution is desirable.

 

[Concerto]

Whilst renovating my Fulmar I started suffering from white finger syndrom. I used some tools for days on end and am now very cautious using any power tool for more than an hour. Surprisingly my most used tool was a Fein Multitool, which are one of the best for low vibration. The latest models now even have an anti vibration handle fitted, which I wish I had.

It can be painful and stop you doing things you want to do. Recently I have had a long period with no tool use and hope it does not recur.

 

[NotBirdseye]

If anyone doesn't know about these organizations, they can be a useful place for advice and support:

https://www.raynauds.org/discuss/
https://www.sruk.co.uk/raynauds/ < They have forums via HealthUnlocked.com/sruk

Pro-tip, microwavable plushies are your friends .

 

[Jamesuk]

Thanks I’ve just reviewed some other things and petrol lawn mowers are high on the list and so too are strimmers and other garden equipment.

The impact screwdriver is an 8 minutes affair!

The dual action polisher rattled me to the core but got a great finish. I have not got the m/s rating for it yet.

Thanks “lumi....” for the links

 

[rotrax]

A common issue when thrashing highly tuned 650cc Triumph Motorcycles within an inch of their life!