In the graduation thesis the influence of the type of the axe’s handle, its length and the weight of the head on exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) and the load of lower back were examined. The research was carried out in two parts, in the form of a controlled test and logging in the forest. Four axes, varying in length (70 and 90 cm), in type of handle (ash and beech) and in weight of the head (1.2 and 1.8 kg) were included in the study. In addition, we examined the influence of the wedge type (plastic, wooden and metal) on exposure to HAV. The results showed that exposure to HAV are influenced by all factors studied. The HAV values are greater when using the ash handle, shorter handle, heavier head and when using a metal wedge. The lumbar spine loads are oppositely smaller when axes with lower head weight and shorter length of the handle were used. As an optimum axe, we recommend a beech handle with a lightweight head, the length of the handle should be as long as possible, but consistent with the cutter's anthropometric measures.
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