IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development of a methodology for assessing the performance of anti-vibration gloves in reducing vibrations while considering dexteriy and grip strength

Abstract

The operators of portable vibrating tools are exposed to vibrations transmitted into their hands. These vibrations are responsible for a variety of vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders in the hands and arms. Antivibration gloves provide a simple means of reducing exposure to hand-arm vibration, and their effectiveness is assessed using ISO standard 10819:2013.

The standard sets out a method to measure the vibration transmissibility at the palm of the hand using a rigid adapter positioned between the hand and the glove, but fails to account for the distributed nature of vibration transmission into the hand and fingers, even though research has demonstrated that transmission into the fingers can differ from that measured in the palm of the hand. Moreover, the standard does not take into account the loss of dexterity and grasping strength caused by wearing these gloves.

This research project aims to develop a methodology to assess antivibration gloves by considering the distributed nature of vibration transmissibility of gloves, in addition to ergonomic aspects, such as grasping strength and manual dexterity.

The knowledge acquired will result in suggestions to improve the ISO 10819:2013 standard.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2013-0020
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2021