Summary

Hand-held pneumatic tools generate noise and vibration that, over the years, can cause deafness and also result in Raynaud’s syndrome. This fact sheet presents the noise and vibration levels emitted by five categories of tools regularly used in automobile repair shops: grinders, sanders, ratchets, impact tools and air hammers.The authors indicate the noise and vibration exposure levels not to be exceeded for different periods of time. They also provide recommendations for working safely with these tools, as well as references for those wanting to obtain further information on this subject.