Demolishing
Introduction
A mechanical hammer, also called pneumatic hammer, pavement breaking hammer,[1] pavement hammer or pavement demolisher, is a machine, generally for professional use, to be able to make large holes or demolish constructions of various kinds. There are three types: pneumatic, hydraulic and electric.
Effects of its use on health
The noise they cause, which can reach 100 decibels at two meters, constitutes a risk of hearing loss due to continued use. The main symptom is tinnitus. If it is a manual hammer, the operator must wear anti-noise safety earmuffs. The other risk consists of possible circulatory failures in the hands and shoulders if exposed to it for a long time, especially in the fingers, due to the continuous vibrations to which they are subjected.
Pneumatic hammers
The pneumatic hammer is a portable hammer drill that bases its operation on compressed air mechanisms. It really works like a hammer, since it does not drill holes, but rather strikes the surface in order to break it into pieces.
Its main parts are:
Its use on vertical surfaces (e.g. walls) is not practical: it is difficult to keep the device, which generally has a high mass, in a horizontal position, and the advantage of its own weight keeping it supported is lost.
It is usually managed by one person. The power source is an independent compressor device capable of supplying an adequate volume of compressed air to the tool.
Hydraulic hammers
A hydraulic hammer is based on the same principles as a pneumatic hammer, but is powered by a special fluid, called "hydraulic fluid", which circulates at high pressures. It is usually large in size, and generally must be attached to an excavator or tractor.
They are widely used in construction and demolition. They are also used in mining, as they can be operated on vertical walls and are widely recommended due to the safety margin they provide.