The effects of rivet guns on hand-arm vibration

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rivet guns on hand-arm vibration. Vibration data were collected from five male and five female subjects using 12 rivet guns (from four different manufacturers depi cted here as types 1, 2, 3, and 4 with large, medium, and small sizes in ea ch type) at three different postures (neutral, 1/3 maximum flexion, and 1/3 maximum ulnar deviation) and two different levels of applied force (8 and 12 lbs). The results of analysis indicated that the level of vibration ente ring the hand was significantly higher for type 4 and large size than for o ther types and sizes. Comparing with the ISO standard, type 4 rivet guns co uld be used for less than 30 min in a day. Results of detailed analysis and the ergonomic ramifications as well as practical applications of this find ing are discussed in the body of the paper.