If you are using power tools daily for more than a few hours a day, you may have noticed pain or other sensations in your hand, wrist, arm, or all of the above. Some people may just ignore these issues, and just get on with it, but what is actually happening to you?
There is a condition in the sanding industry, known as ‘White Finger’ (hand-arm vibration syndrome) which is often seen in trade workplaces. The constant vibration levels dispersed from your hand-held power tools can cause damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, joints, and tissue of the hand, wrist, and arm.
White Finger can leave lasting effects and can continue to worsen if long amounts of vibration are passed onto your body for long periods of time.
This condition is an unfortunate reality in trade industries, preventing many from having a successful and long working career.
What are the symptoms of White Finger?
Some symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, and a decrease in dexterity. In some cases, fingers can turn white because of low blood supply. In more extreme cases, the fingers can turn blue when all oxygen in the blood is no longer available. These symptoms can have lasting effects if your vibration exposure is not monitored.
There are also other conditions that can affect you from constant machine use.
How can you monitor your vibration levels when sanding?
If you are using a Mirka Sander, you are already on the right track. Mirka Sanders are designed with the user’s health in mind – an ergonomic, comfortable sander with low vibration levels. The myMirka app can be used to monitor your daily vibration exposure, so you can know when to have a break or to finish up for the day.
The app tracks the daily vibration exposure according to the European directive, 2002/44/EC Article 5. The gauge turns yellow when the operator has been exposed to a level of 2.5 m/s2 of the maximum daily vibration exposure and red when the level exceeds 5.0 m/s2. Advice on how to lower the vibrations if above the normal level, are integrated into the app.
The myMirka is used to:
- View your tool’s battery level & health
- Measure your tool’s speed
- RPM range management for standardising processes (cordless range)
- Auto-stop function (cordless range)
- View your current vibration level
- Get advice on how to lower the vibration level
- Register your tool for warranty
How do you use the myMirka app?
The myMirka app can be used with the Mirka Deros, Deos, Leros and Mirka’s cordless range – the AOS-B, AROS-B, ARP-B and the AROP-B tools. The cordless tools have some extra features included when using the app.
To connect your tool, simply:
- Press and hold the RPM button while pressing the power button.
- The left hand LED will begin to blink to indicate that Bluetooth is active
- Open the myMirka app on your phone
- Press “Add tool” and select the tool you wish to connect
- The left LED will light up green to indicate the tool is paired with the app
For cordless tools, the process slightly differs:
- Press and hold the RPM button while pressing the tool’s trigger
- The middle LED will begin to blink to indicate that Bluetooth is active
- Open the myMirka app on your phone
- Press “Add tool” and select the tool you wish to connect
- The middle LED will light up green to indicate the tool is paired with the app
Please note that Bluetooth is automatically deactivated when the tool is disconnected from the mains outlet or battery. If you have disconnected the tool, you need to activate Bluetooth and pair your device again next time you use it.
Remember that prevention is better than treatment, monitoring your vibration level is a great way to help put your health first to ensure a long, successful and healthy career.
