Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome - anti vibration gloves Hi Jane,
Anti-vibration gloves are a mixed bag. They may provide little protection, but at the same time they may increase risks as well.
The type of system represented by a hand and the resilient pad built into a glove has a natural frequency higher than those mainly implicated in HAV syndrome (HAVS). In some cases, a small reduction in vibration amplitude is achieved, while in others the vibration exposure of the hand may actually increase.
The structure of most antivibration gloves normally makes it much more difficult to grip and control tools and work than would be the case if they were not worn. This may merely be an inconvenience, but it may also force the user to grip the tool more tightly, once again probably increasing the risk of HAVS.
As a result of the above factors, antivibration gloves are not normally recommended as part of a programme of measures to reduce HAV risks. They may keep the hands warm and this can help to protect against vibration damage. However, any glove will do this, and it would be more beneficial to choose a type that allows good control of the tool without an excessively tight grip. In any case, the antivibration types are considerably more expensive than most other gloves.