Grinding disc reduces noise and vibration levels
September 1st 2004 Occupational use of vibrating equipment has reduced the quality of life of many thousands of workers. Now, legislation and health and safety professionals are determined that the issue should be addressed and new laws will mean stiff penalties for firms that are not doing their utmost to protect workers.
Legislation will have a dramatic effect on industries where powered tools and equipment are used, with as much as a 37% reduction in safe working times and production.
For industries that use powered grinding tools and equipment, 3M has developed the Green Corps flexible grinding disc. This is said to reduce noise and vibration levels so significantly that powered grinding machinery may be used over a much longer period, within the new regulations.
The disc helps reduce the risk of occupational injuries such as Vibration White Finger (VWF).
Independent vibration test results showed that the vibration level caused by grinding with conventional discs was reduced from 11.4 to 2.8m/s2 when the Green Corps disc was used, a 75% reduction that increases the permitted safe exposure time by 7.5h per 8h of daily exposure.
At present at least 300 000 people are believed to have advanced symptoms of VWF. 3M is committed to providing practical solutions to such problems. More articles from 3M UK Plc: | 
