DIAGNOSTIC PROVOCATION TEST FOR WHITE FINGER ATTACKS BY WATER BATH IN CHAIN SAW OPERATORS

Abstract

A new method of provocation test of white finger attacks in chain saw operators was designed. It consists of i) bath of body in 24°C water for 10 min, usually in a bathtub and ii) immersion of hands in 4°C water for 1 min. Fifteen chain saw opera-tors were examined by this method and a good result was obtained. The inconsisten-cies between the complaints of the subjects and the results of provoca ion test suggest the importance of periodical examination of all chain saw operators with provocation test.