What is Whole Body And Hand Arm Vibration?
Operators, drivers and workers using handheld tools can be exposed to harmful levels of whole body vibration. Reducing exposure reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Whole Body Vibration
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is vibration transmitted to the whole body by the surface supporting it (i.e. via a seat or floor). It is commonly experienced by drivers, operators and passengers in vehicles and machines when travelling over uneven surfaces.
Health Effects of Whole Body Vibration
The longer a worker is exposed to Whole Body Vibration the greater the risk of health effects, including musculoskeletal disorders, and damage to nerves, tendons, bones and joints.
Workers exposed to vibration may experience:
- Back pain (the most common complaint)
- Cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and metabolic changes
- Digestive problems
The Sources of Whole Body Vibration
The main sources of harmful WBV are:
- Rough road and surface conditions and resistance forces, e.g. mobile plant with scraper blades
- Vehicle activity
- Engine vibration
How is the Whole Body Vibration Measured?
Environmental Site Services uses the top-of-the-line Svantek 106 Human Vibration Meter & Analyser to undertake whole body vibration measurements according to AS 2670.1-2001 – Evaluation of human exposure to whole body vibration.
Representative measurements are generally taken for between 15 – 30 minutes using a Seat Pad Accelerometer. The seat pad essentially is placed on the seat, on top of which the driver sits, to measure the whole body vibration values.
Environmental Site Services also test for Hand Arm Vibration.
LinkedIn
Facbook
Twitter