Hand-arm vibration levels in hardwood and softwood cutting with battery-powered and petrol chainsaws

Hand-arm vibration levels in hardwood and softwood cutting with battery-powered and petrol chainsaws

WoS Article

This study investigates hand-arm vibration exposure from petrol chainsaws (PCS) and battery-powered chainsaws (BPCS) during the cutting of softwood and hardwood logs. Softwood and hardwood logs of identical moisture content and diameter were used to measure vibrations at the front and rear handles of the chainsaws, adhering to EN ISO 22867, EN ISO 5349-1, and EN ISO 5349-2 standards. The highest vibration value recorded was 8.8500 m/s(2) at the front handle of the BPCS during softwood cutting. Conversely, the lowest value of 0.7400 m/s(2) was measured at the front handle of the PCS during hardwood cutting. Vibration levels for the PCS ranged from 1.0000 to 3.2000 m/s(2), while the BPCS values ranged from 3.2000 to 5.0000 m/s(2). A total of 91 combinations were measured for comparison: 28 for chainsaws in the cutting phase, 15 outside the cutting phase, and 48 for comparing in-cut and out-of-cut vibrations. While out-of-cut vibrations were identical for both chainsaw types, 57.14% of in-cut combinations differed, independent of wood hardness. This suggests that PCS and BPCS exhibit distinct vibration profiles. The results highlight the need for effective anti-vibration systems in BPCS, as they currently lack adequate vibration mitigation measures.

This study investigates hand-arm vibration exposure from petrol chainsaws (PCS) and battery-powered chainsaws (BPCS) during the cutting of softwood and hardwood logs. Softwood and hardwood logs of identical moisture content and diameter were used to measure vibrations at the front and rear handles of the chainsaws, adhering to EN ISO 22867, EN ISO 5349-1, and EN ISO 5349-2 standards. The highest vibration value recorded was 8.8500 m/s(2) at the front handle of the BPCS during softwood cutting. Conversely, the lowest value of 0.7400 m/s(2) was measured at the front handle of the PCS during hardwood cutting. Vibration levels for the PCS ranged from 1.0000 to 3.2000 m/s(2), while the BPCS values ranged from 3.2000 to 5.0000 m/s(2). A total of 91 combinations were measured for comparison: 28 for chainsaws in the cutting phase, 15 outside the cutting phase, and 48 for comparing in-cut and out-of-cut vibrations. While out-of-cut vibrations were identical for both chainsaw types, 57.14% of in-cut combinations differed, independent of wood hardness. This suggests that PCS and BPCS exhibit distinct vibration profiles. The results highlight the need for effective anti-vibration systems in BPCS, as they currently lack adequate vibration mitigation measures.

Cross-cutting; anti-vibration system; front handle; rear handle; wood hardness; occupational hygiene

Cross-cutting; anti-vibration system; front handle; rear handle; wood hardness; occupational hygiene

MERGL, V.; STANĚK, L.

02.04.2025

International Journal of Forest Engineering

36

3

United States of America

360

367

7

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14942119.2025.2482503?src=exp-la#abstract