The EGO range has been designed to minimise risks to users. Their equipment is quieter, cleaner and vibrates far less than its petrol equivalent, and are committed to continuing to innovate improvements.
GARDEN TOOLS THAT PROTECT USERS HEALTH
Conventional petrol-fueled garden tools are known for their noise, emission of toxic fumes, and vibrations that can lead to prolonged muscular and vascular damage for the individuals using them. For businesses responsible for maintaining public or private grounds, these tools pose substantial health and safety concerns. They also incur expenses related to sick leave, reduced productivity, regulatory fines, and costs associated with injury claims.
Explore the EGO product line today to discover the advantages of equipment that is quieter, cleaner, and generates less vibration compared to traditional petrol-powered garden tools.
CORDLESS GARDEN TOOLS TO MINIMISE HAND AND ARM VIBRATION
HAV, a neurological condition causing numbness and muscle weakness, can lead to significant health issues like Vibration White Finger (VWF), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and even gangrene. Those most susceptible to this condition are often found in manufacturing, construction, and among individuals who extensively use petrol-powered equipment, such as cordless garden tools.
Recognising the warning signs of HAV, specifically numbness and muscle weakness, is vital as it could result in serious health conditions like Vibration White Finger (VWF), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and gangrene.
Thankfully, one can lower the risk of developing HAV by selecting tools that produce reduced vibrations.
Typically, battery-powered equipment generally demonstrates considerably lower vibration levels compared to their petrol-powered equivalents. For example, a leading petrol-powered brush cutter usually vibrates at 7.6m/s2, whereas an EGO cordless brush cutter vibrates at 2.175m/s2. This difference is partly due to the absence of a combustion engine in battery-powered cordless machines.
At EGO, the primary focus is on creating tools that maintain high productivity levels while vibrating at the lowest possible levels.
PREVENTING PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
According to legal requirements, it is mandatory for an employer to conduct a thorough assessment and outline measures to either eliminate or minimize risks posed to employees from exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV). The European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive (2002/44/EC) specifically establishes a daily action limit of 2.5m/s2 and an exposure limit value of 5.0m/s2.
In comparison to these safety exposure thresholds, battery-powered cordless equipment significantly falls within the safe usage values. This characteristic makes such equipment notably more comfortable to use and markedly less likely to induce Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). As a result, this quality directly benefits the well-being and productivity of employees while providing employers with reassurance and confidence in maintaining a safe working environment.
CODLESS GARDEN TOOLS AND THE IMPACT OF NOISE POLLUTION
Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can have serious repercussions on both human health and the environment. In humans, continuous exposure to loud noise can lead to profound health implications, impacting not only hearing but also affecting the endocrine system and the brain. This chronic exposure is linked to various health issues, including hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairments, and mental health problems.
Moreover, these adverse effects are not limited to humans. Animals and wildlife also experience similar detrimental impacts due to prolonged exposure to noise pollution. Elevated noise levels in their habitats can disrupt their natural behaviors, communication, and overall well-being.
The World Health Organization has highlighted noise pollution as the second most substantial environmental factor causing health problems, trailing closely behind air quality issues. This recognition underscores the significance of addressing noise pollution to safeguard public health. It emphasizes the need for effective policies and measures to mitigate the impact of noise on human health and the environment.
Employers, too, express valid concerns regarding the effects of noise on their workforce. Excessive noise in work environments can significantly impair productivity, increase the risk of industrial accidents, and pose threats to the overall well-being of employees. Ensuring a quieter and healthier work environment is not only essential for employee welfare but also for optimizing work performance and reducing the incidence of occupational hazards.
NOISE POLLUTION OF PETROL GARDEN TOOLS
Petrol-based garden tools surpass the noise exposure regulations outlined in European legislation for workplace environments. The updated Physical Agents (Noise) Directive 2003/10/EC has established a maximum exposure limit of 87 decibels (dB) in working environments.
For instance, petrol chainsaws (measuring at 105 dB) and petrol mowers (at 98 dB) have been demonstrated to produce louder noise levels compared to a Boeing 737 at 1 nautical mile before landing (90 dB)*.However, garden tools powered by cordless technology, such as those manufactured by EGO, comply with these regulatory limits. To illustrate, an EGO chainsaw emits sound at 85 dB, while an EGO lawn mower operates at 87 dB, falling within the stipulated noise regulations.
WATCH: EGO's NOISE AND VIBRATION TESTING
REDUCED NOISE POLLUTION
Reduced noise emissions from battery-powered tools adhere to regulations more effectively, offering improved capabilities to meet stringent standards. As a result, workers benefit from enhanced comfort, clearer communication, and better teamwork, while businesses experience reduced disruptions and maintain a continuous working schedule.
Moreover, beyond the advantages related to comfort and well-being, the lower noise levels of battery-powered equipment enable their use during periods and in locations where petrol-powered tools might otherwise be prohibited or cause disturbances. This flexibility allows for early morning operations near sensitive areas like hospitals, schools, and visitor attractions. With European noise regulations aiming to further address noise emissions from outdoor equipment (European Commission’s Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC), both domestic and commercial users may view this as an opportune moment to invest in quieter garden power tools.
REDUCED EXPOSURE TO TOXIC FUMES
Continual exposure to the noxious fumes generated by petrol-fueled garden tools and various equipment can result in significant acute and long-term health issues, with potential risks including the development of cancer and aplastic anaemia.
In a study conducted by a prominent environmental organization in 2017, emissions from a range of petrol-powered outdoor equipment, encompassing cordless garden tools, were examined. The findings revealed that the emissions from these tools surpassed the established regulatory limits. In contrast, EGO's battery-powered cordless garden tools do not release any emissions during use. The adverse health impacts stemming from exposure to toxic fumes are a concerning reality, potentially leading to severe health conditions such as cancer and aplastic anaemia. The results of the environmental organization's study, demonstrating the excessive emissions from petrol-based tools, emphasize the urgency for cleaner, emission-free alternatives. EGO's battery-powered cordless garden tools stand out as an eco-friendly and health-conscious option, emitting no fumes during operation and thus mitigating the associated health risks.
ZERO EMISSIONS FROM BATTERY-POWERED TOOLS
EGO's cordless outdoor power tools are impervious to the directives regarding chemical emissions during their operation, and this status will persist far into the future. The innovative ARC Lithium™ battery technology employed by EGO provides robust power comparable to petrol-driven tools but without any noxious fumes. By boasting zero chemical emissions during operation, EGO's cordless outdoor power tools successfully evade the constraints imposed by directives concerning chemical discharges. The utilisation of the cutting-edge ARC Lithium™ battery not only delivers performance akin to petrol-powered tools but also ensures a fume-free and environmentally friendly operation. This unique aspect of EGO's technology highlights its exemption from regulations concerning chemical emissions, guaranteeing a clean and eco-friendly tool solution. The continued reliance on the advanced ARC Lithium™ battery technology ensures a sustained exemption from these directives, marking EGO's commitment to providing powerful yet emission-free outdoor power tools.