Hand-arm vibration in Metalworking Industries of the Valle del Cauca

Introduction
In metalworking companies, it is common to use tools whose operation depends on the energy consumption of electric or pneumatic systems. Many of these cause vibrations which are transmitted to humans through the hands and arms. The vibrations depending on its duration, frequency, intensity and how they act on the worker, have not been sufficiently analyzed, making a potential source of various diseases that can seriously limit their ability to work. 

The aim of the research focused on diagnosing, assessing and analyzing vibration workers for portable machine tools in order to determine potential health effects. 

Methods
Study of the behavior of the vibrations of 15 types of machine tools and portable vibrating belonging to 4 quality metalworking companies, making measurement, evaluation, analysis of frequency, intensity and form of action, using a vibrometer with displacement sensors, velocity and acceleration. 

Results
64 people exposed to vibration, 61% were studied in the study period were operating their machine tools, more than half of these operators work exhibited between 50% and 60% of the total duration of a day . The remaining portion is exposed for short intervals and irregularly shaped. 

Discussion
Although the levels of exposure to hand-arm vibrations do not exceed the permissible exposure limits and are not recorded in the form of neuropathy disabilities and injuries of the musculoskeletal system through the effects of this factor, it is essential more epidemiological and clinical data The prevalence found. It is necessary to consider the relevance of some clinical trials supported in bio-markers can be credible and reliable for determining the types and stages of vibration syndrome.