Noise levels of the most commonly used hand tools

In Europe 22.5 million individuals suffer from hearing impairment, which leads to 78 billion euros of financial losses. Noise-induced occupational hearing loss is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. In the study "Work conditions and risks in Latvia' 35.6% of employees note that they have noise exposure at work. The incidence of noise-induced hearing loss in Latvia has gradually increased from 9.3 cases in 2005 to 30.9 cases per 100000 employed in 2009. In three year period 5408 noise measurements were carried out and 12.9% (n = 695) of those concern working with hand tools. Measurement levels mainly depend on the tools, technical condition and the workpiece, so noise levels vary in a large range. Noise levels exceeded 87 dBA almost half of the measurements (48.7%). For analysis measurements database of Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases was used. The greatest noise in the work process creates metal surface cleaner with grits, hand-held angle grinder, perforator, pneumatic nailer and stapler, various types of saws, especially chainsaws. Powered hand tools are commonly used in various work sectors (construction, woodworking, engineering etc.) in different spaces and locations. The risk of material hearing impairment is significantly higher for workers who work with powered hand tools than for industrial workers who work with industrial machinery and equipment. Powered hand tools noise levels are quite high and hand tools are always located close to worker. For employers and occupational health and safety specialists it is important to understand health hazards posed by hand tools, because this is not only noise, but also vibration, dusts, chemical hazards and musculoskeletal disorders.