Frequent use of machinery with high-frequency vibrations, such as chainsaws and sanders. It can pose a threat to the health of the palm of the hand over time. Although this vibration does not bring direct harm. But after a long time, it will bring a lot of irreversible damage to our bodies. Anti-vibration gloves can be a good solution to this, so learn how anti-vibration gloves work today!
How do anti-vibration gloves work?
Anti-vibration gloves can help reduce the vibration from machines and reduce the risk to your body. It is shockproofed by adding special padding materials to the palm and finger areas. Materials such as gel and foam. These materials absorb vibrations and dampen the sensation of vibration, reducing the risk of HAVS.
Anti-vibration gloves can make the job of operating machinery and equipment easier and safer. Anti-vibration gloves can dampen vibrations from many mechanical devices, such as:
What materials are used in anti-vibration gloves to reduce vibration?
Anti-vibration gloves primarily use materials such as polyurethane foam, gel padding, and air bladders to minimize the damage caused by vibration. They have their own advantages. Gel-padded technology is currently the mainstay of the market.
Polyurethane foam anti-vibration gloves:
- Pros: absorbs low to medium frequency vibrations, cost-effective.
- Disadvantages: thick thickness, may affect dexterity.
Gel-padded anti-vibration gloves:
- Pros: absorbs medium to high frequency vibrations, good dexterity
- Cons: average breathability, heavy
Airbag anti-vibration gloves:
- Pros: dynamic cushioning, easy to store
- Cons: Expensive
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane Foam | Absorbs low to mid-frequency vibrations, high cost-performance | Thick, affects flexibility |
| Gel Filling | Absorbs mid to high-frequency vibrations, flexible | Poor breathability, relatively heavy |
| Air Cell / Air Bag | Good dynamic cushioning, easy to store/compact | Expensive |
What types of anti-vibration work gloves are available?
Different types of anti-vibration gloves have somewhat different levels of protection. Here are the types of anti-vibration gloves for you to choose from.
Anti-vibration half-finger gloves
The fingers of these anti-vibration gloves are not completely surrounded and can protect the palm and wrist. It can be carried out to manipulate a lot of delicate work that is delicate and requires precise handling.
Applications: When using touchscreens or handling delicate tasks, can also be used by law enforcement and shooting sports enthusiasts
anti-vibration full-finger gloves
These anti-vibration gloves are the ones that can give increased protection to the entire palm of the hand. They minimize damage caused by vibration.
Applications: some work scenarios that require handling large machinery. For example, workers using electric drills, chainsaws, etc.
Wrist Gloves
While this glove is able to increase protection for the entire hand, it also provides protection for the wrist.
Because of its added material around the wrist, it can prevent wrist injuries.
| Type | Features | Applicable Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Finger Gloves | Palm shock absorption, fingers flexible, touchscreen compatible | Precision operations, shooting, situations requiring touchscreen use |
| Full-Finger Gloves | Full hand coverage, strongest shock absorption and protection | Operating power drills, chainsaws, or other high-vibration heavy tools |
| Wrist-Supported Gloves | Full hand protection with additional wrist support | Heavy or repetitive tasks that require wrist support and stability |
How can I reduce the hazards of vibration?
In order to reduce the harm caused by vibration, please use anti-vibration gloves first. This will immediately reduce the damage caused by vibration. Also, use gloves that meet international standards and are effective.
To better protect your fingers, palms, and arms, follow these recommendations:
- Control daily working hours.
- Improve your working posture.
- Take regular breaks and relaxation.
- Enhance health monitoring
- Attend regular training sessions.
Level of anti-vibration gloves
There is a very straightforward standard for the ability of anti-vibration gloves to be used in vibration-resistant work scenarios – the EN ISO 10819 standard. This standard defines the effectiveness and methods for testing and measuring the shock absorption of gloves. The tests are conducted in the frequency range of 25Hz to 1250Hz in the one-third octave band.
The range that anti-vibration gloves are required to achieve:
- Mid-frequency transmission rate (25Hz-200Hz):Specifies that the gloves must achieve a shock absorption rate of at least 10%.
- High frequency transfer rate (200Hz-1250Hz): the gloves must achieve a minimum of 40% shock absorption.
Test Results:
- Mid-frequency range: gloves have a TRM ≤ 1.0, i.e., no amplification of shock in this test
- High frequency range: TRM of the gloves ≤ 0.6, i.e., in this test, the vibration level had to be reduced by 40%.
Effects of vibrating equipment at work
It is important to be aware of the potential harm caused by vibrating equipment. With some basic knowledge, you will be better able to avoid and prevent injuries from occurring. The following are some of the ailments that can be caused by vibration.
Carpal Tunnel :
This condition is caused by nerve damage to the hand due to repetitive motions. It causes numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hand. To alleviate this condition, you can wear wrist gloves and move your wrist from time to time.
Raynaud’s disease:
Also known as Vibratory White Finger, or VWF for short, this condition affects about 20% of the world’s population. This condition is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold vibrations. This symptom causes a lack of blood flow to the hand, resulting in a whitening of the fingertips.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome:
This is an extremely common condition, also referred to as HAVS. 2 million people are at risk for this condition. It causes irreversible damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the hands and arms. This can lead to numbness in the fingers, a weakened grip, or a decrease in the body’s ability to heal.
General Discomfort:
These are some of the most serious damages to the hands, but there are many more that we can’t see. Vibration can also cause permanent damage to other parts of the body. But anti-vibration gloves can greatly reduce this risk.
Content reference: PowerPak (https://www.powerpak.net/blog/how-do-anti-vibration-gloves-work/)
Key points in choosing the right anti-vibration gloves
Knowing the above, we can pick the right anti-vibration gloves. But the following factors should be taken into consideration as well.
- Material: When choosing gloves, make sure they are made of durable materials. For example, synthetic leather, neoprene, or rubber. This material has superior abrasion resistance, even in rougher environments, and can also be very good for completing the work task. The padding and lining of the gloves should also be of high quality.
- Comfort level: Because they are worn for a long time, the comfort level is a very important assessment point. If the gloves are not breathable enough or not ergonomically designed. Then the use of the process will reduce the efficiency of work, and is even likely to be dangerous.
- Size and style: according to each person's hand shape and finger size, choose the corresponding size of the gloves. The style of gloves can also be chosen with elastic under the cuff or with a buckle to ensure that the gloves are firm.
- Anti-vibration gloves are certified: It is crucial to know whether the gloves can provide protection. Please make sure to check if the gloves have ENISO10819 certification before picking anti-vibration gloves.
M-tide Providing excellent anti-vibration gloves
In order to minimize permanent damage caused by vibration at work, anti-vibration gloves must be an essential tool. For your health and safety, every vibration-resistant glove we make at M-tide is ENISO10819 certified. You can purchase them with confidence.
If you have any problems with the quality of the gloves during subsequent use, we will take care of them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using anti-vibration gloves?
Injury prevention: can prevent diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome, vibration white finger syndrome, hand-arm vibration syndrome, etc.
- Comfort: Ensures a certain level of comfort and dexterity during work.
- Safety: The abrasion and cut resistance of the gloves can help reduce potential risks during work.
How is vibration produced?
Vibration is a very common natural phenomenon that can be generated by many objects. Examples include the vibratory sounds of living things, collisions between objects, and can also be generated by machines and engines. It is a regular oscillating force generated around a fixed point. Collisions of small amplitude and intensity produce a slight or pleasant sound. And once it exceeds a certain intensity, it can be harmful to the structure of the object and the structure of the human body.
Usually, we can choose to add soundproofing or vibration-damping materials to reduce or circumvent this situation. For example, if there is noise around the house, you can add soundproof material to the room to reduce noise pollution. And for vibration at work, you can choose anti-vibration gloves to reduce the damage.
How to choose between foam damping material and gel damping material?
Both materials have their own advantages, of which the advantage of foam damping material is very light. It is very flexible and does not feel heavy. It is suitable for jobs that require flexibility and precision. The gel damping material is thicker and more durable, with a certain degree of wear resistance. More suitable for use in high-frequency vibration work.
How to maintain anti-vibration gloves?
There are different maintenance methods for anti-vibration gloves made of different materials.
- Rubber gloves: just rinse with water and dry, avoiding direct sunlight when drying. They should also be stored in a cool and dry place.
- Synthetic leather and neoprene gloves: Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to wipe. Can not use machine washing, and storage should also be placed in a cool, dry place.
Can anti-vibration gloves be used on all types of tools and machinery?
Anti-vibration gloves can effectively reduce the vibration generated by tools such as drills and hammers. The different levels of vibration can be checked to see if the gloves are certified according to EN ISO 10819. The vibrations that can be reduced at different frequencies are different.
