The way tools are designed and developed has changed dramatically over the years and manufacturers are no longer focused solely on performance; they are also prioritising the safety, comfort, and long-term wellbeing of the people who use them. As a result, companies have invested heavily in research and development to create tools that are durable, efficient and capable of delivering a high-quality finish across a wide range of surfaces. However, just as important is the aim to reduce the risks associated with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). HAVS is a serious condition that affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints in the hands, wrists, and arms. In addition, it is particularly dangerous since it often develops gradually and without obvious warning signs.
Without the red flags being seen, many workers, no matter their age, may not realise they are being affected by HAVS until the damage has already begun. This is partly because individuals can have very different tolerances to the vibrations produced by tools, which means some people may feel the effects much sooner than others. In some cases, workers only recognise the issue when they switch to a different tool or stop using their usual one for a period of time.
Neil Newbrook, business sector manager, Wood, Mirka UK Ltd, explains what Mirka is doing in the fight against HAVS. “Mirka believes the focus should always be on the person using the tool. That’s why the myMirka app was developed for the Bluetooth-enabled tools in our product portfolio. The app gives operators instant feedback on the vibration levels produced by their tool, and it is displayed on a simple colour-coded scale, so it’s easy to see when exposure is getting too high. If levels increase, the app provides practical guidance on how to reduce vibration and work more safely. In addition, for businesses looking for deeper insight, an optional in-app upgrade tracks daily vibration exposure and compares it with European HAV standards. This allows companies to understand how tools are being used on site, monitor operator exposure, and introduce measures that better protect their workforce and their joints over time.”
To complement the app, Neil also highlighted several top tips to help protect against HAVS:
- An increase in vibration can cause damage to the tool, so be aware that any variation in the weight of the pad other than when using P180 paper discs can cause the machine to vibrate more.
- Always use a genuine Mirka backing pad on Mirka tools, as it has been specifically designed for certain machines (a DEROS / PROS 150mm backing pad is engineered to weigh exactly 130 g). However, if you use a generic non-Mirka pad, it may alter the vibration of the tool and, in turn, cause damage to the bearing and other aspects of the tool. Mirka tools returned with non-Mirka pads fitted are not covered by the Mirka warranty.
- If you intend to use an interface pad (5mm / 10mm), you should remove the backing pad and insert the grub screw that comes in the box with the tool into the remaining threaded hole beneath the pad. This will counterbalance the weight of the interface pad and reduce the vibration of the tool when in use. Refer to the manual for correct installation.
- Ensure that the product is regularly serviced for optimum performance.
