Vibration in Chain Saws

SUMMARY

The vibration of chain saws has caused Raynaud's Phenomenon and it possibly causes other damage to chain saw users. Some manufacturers are fitting their saws with anti-vibration handles in an endeavour to reduce the damaging effects of vibration.

The vibration characteristics of twelve chain saws, six of which have anti-vibration handles, are described. Comparisons of the vibration of saws with rigid handles and saws with anti-vibration handles show that for saws with anti-vibration handles jerk is about one half and acceleration between one third and one eighth that of saws with rigid handles. Differences in velocity and displacement of vibration between saws with and without anti-vibration handles are slight.

The adequacy of current recommendations for vibration safety limits based on displacement and frequency is questioned, and it is suggested that jerk and acceleration may be the most significant criteria for chain saw evaluation. The lack of acceptable standards prevents the drawing of conclusions as to the effectiveness of anti-vibration handles.

The physiological cost of work in using chain saws is also examined.