Vibration Assessment
Hand-arm and whole-body vibration exposure assessment
Overview
Vibration assessment measures worker exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) from powered hand tools and whole-body vibration (WBV) from vehicle seats and platforms. HAV causes hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) including vibration white finger, while WBV causes low back pain and spinal degeneration.
Tri-axial accelerometers are mounted on tool handles (HAV) or vehicle seats (WBV) to capture vibration magnitude. Measurements are combined with daily exposure durations to calculate A(8) values — the normalised 8-hour energy-equivalent vibration dose.
The assessment compares results against exposure action values (EAV: 2.5 m/s² HAV, 0.5 m/s² WBV) and exposure limit values (ELV: 5 m/s² HAV, 1.15 m/s² WBV), then provides a prioritised plan for tool replacement, anti-vibration gloves, job rotation, and health surveillance.
Relevant Standards
Common Industries
Related Services
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