Abstract
Vibration acceleration was triaxially and basicentrically measured, and digital‐audio‐tape‐recorded with each axis separately evaluated using both the ANSI S3.34 and ACGIH hand‐arm vibration (HAV) guidelines, for two pairs of pneumatic handheld grinders commonly used in metal fabrication operations including shipyards. Each tool pair consisted of a new and used grinder of the same model, performing the same simulated grinding tasks using new small grinding wheels, carbide burrs, wire brushes, and flap wheels. The results of this limited study showed, primarily, that the HAV standards were not exceeded, but there was a consistent tendency for the acceleration levels to increase between new and used tools, ranging from 11% to 66% on the Z‐axis, 13% to 66% on the Y‐axis, 44% to 58% on the X‐axis, when tasks involved using grinding wheels and carbide burrs (hard implements). The results were mixed when using disposable wire brushes and flap wheels (softer implements). The overall results suggest the need for and implementation of a regular tool vibration monitoring and maintenance program as a primary element to help maintain tool acceleration levels to a minimum. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.