EU Good Practice Guide WBV [616334]
EU Good Practice Guide WBV
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 1 06/12/2005
Guide to good practice on
Whole-Body
Vibration
Non-binding guide to good practice with a view to
implementation of Directive 2002/44/EC on the
minimum health and safety requirements
regarding the exposure of workers to the risks
arising from physical agents (vibrations).
EU Good Practice Guide HAV CONTENTS
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 2 06/12/2005 CONTENTS
Contents……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .2
Forward ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Chapter 1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………6
Chapter 2 Evaluation of risk ……………………………………………………………………………9
2.1 The basics of risk assessment……………………………………………………………….10
2.2 Determining exposure duration……………………………………………………………15
2.3 Determining vibration magnitude ………………………………………………………..16
2.3.1 Use of manufacturer’s emission data…………………………………………………16
2.3.2 Use of other data sources …………………………………………………………………17
2.3.3 Measurement of vibration magnitude………………………………………………….18
2.4 Calculating daily vibration exposures…………………………………………………..20
2.4.1 A(8) and VDV daily exposure evaluation ………………………………………….20
2.4.2 Uncertainty of daily exposure evaluations………………………………………….20
Chapter 3 Removing or reducing exposure ……………………………………………………..21
3.1 Developing a control strategy ………………………………………………………………22
3.2 Risk controls……………………………………………………………………………………….23
3.2.1 Substitution of other working methods………………………………………………23
3.2.2 Equipment selection………………………………………………………………………..23 3.2.3 Purchasing policy……………………………………………………………………………24 3.2.4 Task and process design ………………………………………………………………….24 3.2.5 Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………………..25 3.2.6 Training and information to workers …………………………………………………25 3.2.7 Work schedules………………………………………………………………………………26 3.2.8 Collective measures ………………………………………………………………………..26
3.2.9 Suspension seats………………………………………………………………………………26
3.3 Vibration monitoring and reassessment ……………………………………………….28
3.3.1 How do I know if my whole-body vi bration controls are working? ………28
3.3.2 When do I need to repeat the risk assessment?……………………………………28
Chapter 4 Health Surveillance ……………………………………………………………………….29
4.1 When is health surveillance required?………………………………………………….30
4.2 What techniques are available?……………………………………………………………31
EU Good Practice Guide HAV CONTENTS
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 3 06/12/2005 4.3 What recording is required?………………………………………………………………..32
4.4 What to do if injury is identified? ………………………………………………………..33
Annex A Health risks, signs and symptoms………………………………………………….34
A.1 Effects of whole-body vibr ation on the human body………………………..34
A.2 Lower-back pain and back, shoulder or neck disorders…………………..34
A.3 Other disorders ……………………………………………………………………………..35
Annex B Summary of responsibilities de fined by Directive 2002/44/EC …………36
Annex C What is vibration? ……………………………………………………………………….38
C.1 What is vibration?………………………………………………………………………….38
C.2 What is measured?…………………………………………………………………………38
C.3 What is frequency and frequency weighting?………………………………….39
C.4 What parameters are used for exposure assessment?………………………39
C.5 What instrumentation should be used? …………………………………………..40
Annex D Tools for calculating daily exposures…………………………………………….41
D.1 Web-based tools …………………………………………………………………………….41
D.2 Daily exposure graph……………………………………………………………………..41
D.3 Daily exposure nomogram ……………………………………………………………..41
D.4 Exposure points system ………………………………………………………………….42
Annex E Daily exposure Worked examples………………………………………………….46
E.1 Daily exposure: A(8), where there is just one task……………………………46
E.2 Daily exposure: A(8), where there is more than one task …………………47
E.3 Daily exposure: VDV, where there is just one task…………………………..49
E.4 Daily exposure: VDV, where there is more than one task ………………..50
Annex F Glossary ……………………………………………………………………………………..52
Annex G Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………….53
G.1 EU Directives…………………………………………………………………………………53
G.2 Standards………………………………………………………………………………………53
G.3 Scientific publications…………………………………………………………………….55
G.4 Guidance publications ……………………………………………………………………57
G.5 Web sites ……………………………………………………………………………………….58
Index………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .59
EU Good Practice Guide HAV FORWARD
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 4 06/12/2005 FORWARD
Directive 2002/44/EC of the European Parl iament and of the Council on the exposure
of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration) s eeks to introduce, at
Community level, minimum protection re quirements for workers when they are
exposed, in the course of their wor k, to risks arising from vibration.
Directive 2002/44/EC gives ‘exposure limit va lues’ and ‘exposure action values’. It
also specifies employers' obligations with re gard to determining and assessing risks,
sets out the measures to be taken to re duce or avoid exposure and details how to
provide information and training for worker s. Any employer who intends to carry out
work involving risks arising from exposure to vibration must implement a series of
protection measures before and during th e work. The Directive also requires the
Member States of the EU to put in place a su itable system for monitoring the health of
workers exposed to risks arising from vibration.
The evaluation and assessment of risks ar ising from exposure to vibration and the
implementation of protection measures can be complicated. This non-binding "guide
to good practice" will facil itate the assessment of risk s from exposure to whole-body
vibration, the identification of controls to eliminate or reduce exposure, and the
introduction of systems to prevent the development and progression of injury.
This guide on whole-body vibration, togeth er with its companion guide on hand-arm
vibration (ref), has been prepared un der contract VC/2004/0341 for the European
Commission General Direction Employ ment and Social Affairs.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 5 06/12/2005 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This guide has been produced by:
ISVR: Institute of Sound and Vibration Research
University of Southampton, U.K.
HSL: Health and Safety Laboratory
U.K.
BGIA: Berufsgenossenschaftliche s Institut für Arbeitsschutz,
Germany.
INRS: Institut National de Re cherche et de Sécurité,
France.
HSE: Health and Safety Executive
U.K.
We would also like to acknowledge the information generated by two EC-funded
Projects, which has been used in preparing this guide:
VIBRISKS: Risks of Occupa tional Vibration Exposures,
EC FP5 project no. QLK4-2002-02650.
VINET: Research Network on Detecti on and Prevention of Injuries due to
Occupational Vibration Exposures, EC Biomed II project no. BMH4-CT98-3251.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV INTRODUCTION
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 6 06/12/2005 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
This guide is intended to help employe rs identify hazards re lating to whole-body
vibration, assess exposures and risks and id entify measures for safeguarding the
health and safety of workers exposed to whole-body vibration risks.
The guide should be read in conjunction w ith the Vibration Directive or national
legislation that implements the requirements of that Directive.
Exposure to high levels of whole-body vibrati on can present risks to health and safety
and are reported to cause or aggravate back injuries (see Annex A ). The risks are
greatest when the vibration magnitude s are high, the exposure durations long,
frequent, and regular, and the vibration includes severe shocks or jolts.
Whole body vibration is caused by vibration tr ansmitted through the seat or the feet
by workplace machines and vehicles. Work that involves exposure to whole-body
vibration occurs commonly in off-road work, such as farming, construction and
quarrying, but it can occur elsewhere, for exam ple on the road in lorries and trucks, at
sea in small fast boats and in the air in some helicopters. Whole-body vibration is not
restricted to seated workers such as dr ivers, but may also be experienced during
standing operations such as standi ng on a concrete crushing machine.
Back injury can be caused by ergonomic factor s such as manual handling of the load
and restricted or awkward postures. These are factors that may be at least as important
as the exposure to whole-body vibration. Back injury can, of course, be caused by
activities in or out of work unr elated to use of vehicles. In order to tackle successfully
the problem of back injury in drivers and operators of mobile machinery it is
important to identify and deal with al l possible contributi ng factors together.
The Vibration Directive (Directive 2002/44/EC – see “Further reading” box) sets
minimum standards for controlling the ri sks from hand-arm vibration (National
legislation may apply more favourable prov isions). The Directive sets an exposure
action value, above which it requires employe rs to control the whole-body vibration
risks of their workforce and an exposure limit value above which employees should
not be exposed1:
• a daily exposure action value of 0,5 m/s²
(or, at the choice of the EC Member State, a vibration dose value of 9,1 m/s1,75);
1 Member states are entitled (after consultation with the two sides of industry) to apply transitional
periods to the exposure limit value for a period of 5 years from 6th July 2005 (Member States are
entitled to extend this period for a further 4 years for agricultural and forestry machinery). The
transitional periods only apply to the use of machinery supplied prior to 6th July 2007 for which (taking
into account all available technical or organisational means to control the risk) the exposure limit value
cannot be respected.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV INTRODUCTION
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 7 06/12/2005 • a daily exposure limit value of 1,15 m/s²
(or, at the choice of the EC Member State, a vibration dose value of 21 m/s1,75);
The Vibration Directive places
requirements on employers to ensure that risks from whole-body vibration are eliminated or reduced to a minimum. These
responsibilities are summarised in Annex B
.
The Vibration Directive is a daughter
Directive of the Framework Directive (Directive 89/391/EEC – see “Further reading” box) as such many of the requirements of the Vibration Directive are derived from, and make specific reference
to, the Framework Directive.
This guide will help employers comply with
the Vibration Directive as it applies to
whole-body vibration. The guide is inte nded to cover the methodology used for
determining and evaluating risks; dealing with the choice and correct use of work
equipment, the optimisation of methods and the implementation of protection
measures (technical and/or organisational measures) on the basis of a prior risk
analysis. This guide also give s details of the type of tr aining and information to be
provided to the workers concerned and pr oposes effective solu tions for the other
matters raised in Directive 2002/44/EC. The st ructure for this guide is shown in the
flow diagram of Figure 1
.
Further reading:
Vibration Directive:
Directive 2002/44/EC of the European pa rliament and of the Council of 25 June
2002 on the minimum health and safety requ irements regarding the exposure of
workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration) (sixteenth individual
Directive within the meaning of Arti cle 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
Framework Directive:
Directive of 89/391/EEC of the European pa rliament and of th e Council of 12 June
1989 on the introduction of measures to enc ourage improvements in the safety and
health of workers at work .
EU Good Practice Guide WBV INTRODUCTION
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 8 06/12/2005 Evaluation of risk Chapter 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.1
3.2Chapter 3
Chapter 4Risk assessment basics
Assessing daily exposures
Exposure Duration
Vibration magnitude
Manufacturer’s data
Other sources
Measurement
Daily Exposure calculations
A(8)
VDV
Removing or reducing exposure
Developing a control strategy
Risk controls
Substitution of other work methods
Equipment SelectionPurchasing policy
Task and process design
Maintenance
Training and information to workers
Work schedules
Collective measures
Suspension seats
Monitoring and Reassessment
Are the controls working?
Health surveillance
When is health surveillance required?
What techniques are available?
What recording is required?
What to do if injury is identified?Repeating the risk assessmentWhole-body
Vibration at work
3.4
4.24.1
4.3
4.33.3
What recording is required?
Figure 1 Whole-body vibration flow diagram
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 9 06/12/2005 CHAPTER 2 EVALUATION OF RISK
The purpose of the whole-body vibration ri sk assessment is to enable you as the
employer to make a valid decision about the measures necessary to prevent or
adequately control the exposure of workers to whole-body vibration.
In this chapter we show how you can d ecide whether you may have a problem with
whole-body vibration exposures in y our workplace without the need for
measurement or any detailed knowledge of exposure assessment
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 10 06/12/2005 2.1 The basics of risk assessment
The risk assessment should:
• identify where there may be a health
or safety risk for which whole-body vibration is either the cause or a contributory factor;
• estimate employees’ exposures and
compare them with the exposure
action value and exposure limit value;
• identify the available risk controls;
• identify the steps you plan to take to
control and monitor whole-body vibration risks; and
• record the assessment, the steps that
have been taken and their effectiveness.
Along with whole-body vibration, other ergonom ic factors may contribute to back
pain, these include:
• poor posture while driv ing/operating plant;
• sitting for long periods without be ing able to change position;
• poorly placed control operati ons, which require the driver /operator to stretch or
twist;
• poor visibility of the operation, which requi res twisting and stretching to get an
adequate view;
• manual lifting and carrying of heavy or awkward loads;
• repeatedly climbing into or jumping out of a high or difficult access cab.
All these factors can separately cause back pain. However, the risk will be increased
where a person is exposed to one or more of these factors while being exposed to
whole-body vibration. For example:
• being exposed to whole-body vibration fo r long periods without being able to
change position;
• being exposed to whole-body vibration while sitting in a stretched or twisted
posture (e.g. looking over your shoulder to monitor the operation of attached
equipment);
• being exposed to whole-body vibration and then doing work involving manually
lifting and carrying heavy loads.
Environmental factors, such as temperature ma y further increase the risk of back pain
or injury.
All these causes must be considered together in your plans to minimise risk of back
injury. Regulations and guidance on manua l handling of materials should be
considered where this is a f actor in your employees’ work.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 11 06/12/2005 A starting point in your risk assessment is to consider the industry you work in, the
processes involved and the machinery and e quipment used. Some questions to help
you decide whether further action is required are shown in Table 1.
All types of vehicle, when in motion, are likely to cause the driver to experience
whole-body vibration. However, this is only li kely to cause health problems to people
who are regularly exposed to high levels of whole-body vibration over a long period.
Some vehicles known to have risks from whole-body vibration a nd ergonomic factors
are shown in Figure 2 .
Further reading:
Manual Handling Directive:
Council Directive 90/26 9/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum health and safety
requirements for the manual handling of loads where there is a ri sk particularly of
back injury to workers (fourth individual Directive within th e meaning of Article
16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 12 06/12/2005 Table 1 Questions to help decide wh ether further action may be needed
Do you drive off-road?
High levels of whole-body vibration are mo st likely for people who drive vehicles over
rough surfaces as part of their job, for example off-road vehicles such as tractors, quad bikes, and dumper trucks.
Do you drive or operate vibrating machinery for a long time every day?
The factors that govern a person’s daily vibra tion exposure are the magnitude (level) of
vibration and the length of time the person is exposed to it. The longer the duration of exposure, the greater will be the risk from vibration exposure.
Do you drive vehicles that are not designed for the roadway conditions?
Some industrial vehicles, such as forklift truc ks, do not have wheel suspension and are fitted
with solid tyres, to provide them with the necessary stability to work safely. Provided they
are driven on smooth surfaces whole-body vibrati on levels should not be high. However, if
they are driven on unsuitable surfaces (e.g. a fork-lift truck designed for warehouse use being
operated in a external loading yard), they can generate high levels of whole-body vibration.
Do you drive over poorly maintained road surfaces?
Most road vehicles will generate fairly low le vels of whole-body vibration provided the road
surface is well maintained. Cars, vans and m odern designs of suspended-cab lorries are
generally unlikely to present a risk from whol e-body vibration when used on well-maintained
roads. However, vehicles with less effective suspension such as rigid body lorries may cause
high levels of whole-body vibration, particularly when they are driven over poor surfaces, or
when they are unladen.
Are you exposed to shock (or jolts)?
The greatest risk from vibration exposure is believed to come from exposure to shock
vibration. Shock vibration may arise from poor ro ad surfaces, driving too fast for the terrain,
or incorrect set-up of the seat suspension. Scrapers may generate high levels of shock
vibration when driving over difficult ground. Some heavily laden vehicles may transmit
shocks and jolts to the driver with hard use of the brakes.
Do you need to adopt poor postures or perform manual handling tasks?
Poor cab layout or poor visibility can result in stretching and twisting, or may confine the
driver to a fixed position for long periods. These poor ergonomic environments, either alone or combined with whole-body vibration exposures, can result in back and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Do the manufacturers of the machinery warn of risk from whole-body vibration?
If you are using a machine that may put the users at risk of vibration injury, the manufacturer
should warn you about it in the handbook.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 13 06/12/2005 Do workers report back disorders?
Evidence of back injury means that ergonomic risks and vibration exposures need to be
managed. Where symptoms are linked to exposures that are below the action value, it may mean either that there is an ergonomic issue th at needs controlling, or that the worker is
particularly susceptible to injury from whole-body vibration exposure.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 14 06/12/2005 Backhoe
Compactor –
single drum
Compactor –
tandem
Dozer
Dumper
Dumper –
Articulated
Excavator –
Wheeled
Excavator <25t
Excavator >25t
Finisher
Forestry –
Forwarder
Forestry –
Harvester
Fork-lift truck –
Counterbalance
Fork-lift truck –
Order pickers
Fork-lift truck –
Reach
Grader
Pallet-truck – ride –
on
Pallet-truck – ride –
on vertical
Scraper
Tow tractor
Wheel loader0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2Acceleration (m/s²)
Median
25th and 75th percentile
Figure 2 Examples of vibrati on magnitudes for common tools
(Sample data based on workplace vibration measurements of highest axis
vibration values by INRS INRS (with the assistance of CRAM and
Prevencem) and HSL between 1997 and 2005. This data is for illustration
only and may not be representative of machine use in all circumstances)
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 15 06/12/2005 2.2 Determining exposure duration
To assess the daily vibration exposure of
workers, we need an estimate of the time
machine operators are exposed to the
vibration source.
In this chapter we look at what exposure
time information is needed and how it can
be determined.
Before the daily vibration exposure ( A(8) or VDV) can be estimated, you need to
know the total daily duration of exposure to the vibration from the vehicles or
machines used. You should be careful to use data that is compatible with your
vibration magnitude data, for example, if your vibration magnitude data is based on
measurements when the machine was work ing, then count only the time that the
employee is exposed to vibration (time spent in a stationary vehi cle is unlikely to
contribute to vibration expos ure). Machine or vehicle op erators questioned on their
typical daily duration of vibr ation exposure usually state a value containing periods
without vibration exposure, e.g. truck loading and waiting times.
Usually, the vibration that occurs when the vehicle is travelling will dominate
vibration exposures. However, some expos ures are dominated by operations being
performed while the vehicle is static, such as excavators and tree harvesters.
Work patterns need careful considera tion. For example some workers may only
operate machines for certain periods in a day. Typical usage patterns should be
established, as these will be an important factor in calculati ng a person’s likely
vibration exposure.
Further reading:
EN 14253, Mechanical vibration — M easurement and calculation of
occupational exposure to whole-body vibr ation with reference to health —
Practical guidance
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 16 06/12/2005 2.3 Determining vibration magnitude [H3]
Whole-body vibration magnitude is the fr equency-weighted acceleration value in
the highest of three orthogonal axes (1,4a wx, 1,4a wy or a wz for a seated or standing
worker, see Annex C ).
The vibration information y ou use for your vibration assessment needs to match
closely the likely vibration performance of the machine being used (both the
machine’s specifications and the way the machine is operated).
In this chapter we look at how vibra tion can be estimated from manufacturer’s
data, other published data sources and from workplace measurement.
2.3.1 Use of manufacturer’s emission data
The European Union’s “Machinery Directiv e” (Directive 98/37/EC ) defines essential
health and safety requirements for mach inery supplied within the EU including
specific requirements regarding vibration.
Amongst other requirements, the Machin ery Directive requires manufacturers,
importers and suppliers of machines to provide information on any risks from
vibration, and values for th e whole-body vibration emissi ons of mobile machinery.
This vibration emission information should be given in the informa tion or instructions
that accompany the machine.
Vibration emission data is usually obta ined according to harmonised European
vibration test codes produced by Europ ean or internationa l standards bodies.
However, very few machine specific sta ndards are currently (in 2005) available and
where standards do exist such as for i ndustrial trucks, the differences between
machines is small (less than 50%).
Further reading:
EN 1032:2003 Mechanical vibration — Testi ng of mobile machinery in order to
determine the vibration emission value
EN 12096:1997 Mechanical vibration — Declaration and verification of
vibration emission values.
European Committee for Standardiza tion (2005). Mechanical vibration –
Guideline for the assessment of exposu re to whole-body vibration of ride on
operated earth-moving machines. Using harmonised data measured by international institutes, organi sations and manufacturers.
CEN/TR First committee draft Munich March 2005.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 17 06/12/2005 2.3.2 Use of other data sources
There are other sources of information on vibration magnitudes, which are often
sufficient to allow you to decide whether either the exposure action value or the
exposure limit values are likely to be exceeded.
Your trade association or e quivalent may have useful vi bration data and there are
international vibration data bases on the Internet, which may meet your needs. This
may be suitable for some employers to make an initial vibration risk assessment.
Other sources of vibration data include specialist vibration consultants, trade
associations, manufacturers and government bodies. Some data can also be found in
various technical or scien tific publications and on th e Internet. Two European
websites that hold manufacturers’ standard vibration emission data along with some
values measured in “real use” for a range of machines are:
http://vibration.arb etslivsinstitutet.se/eng/wbvhome.lasso
http://www.las-bb.de/karla/index_.htm
Ideally you should use vibration informati on for the machine (make and model) you
plan to use. However, if this is not ava ilable you may need to use information relating
to similar equipment as a starting point, replacing the data with more accurate values
when this becomes available.
When choosing published vibration information the factors you need to take account
of in making your choice include:
• the type of equipment (e.g. fork-lift truck),
• the class of equipment (e.g. power or size),
• the power source (e.g. electric or combustion engine)
• any anti-vibration features (e.g. suspension systems, suspended cab, seats),
• the task the vehicle was used for when producing the vibration information,
• the speed it was operated at,
• the type of road surface it was run on.
When using published vibration data it is good practice to try to compare data from
two or more sources.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 18 06/12/2005 2.3.3 Measurement of vibration magnitude
Manufacturer’s data and information from other
information sources may give a useful indication of
the vibration exposure of machine operator’s.
However, whole-body vibration exposure is very dependent on the quality of road surfaces, vehicle speeds and other factors such as how the vehicle is operated. Therefore, it may be
necessary to confirm your in itial risk assessment by having measurements of vibration
magnitudes made.
You may choose to make the vibration m easurements in-house, or to employ a
specialist consultant. In either case, it is important that whoever makes the vibration
measurements has sufficient competence and experience.
What is measured?
Human exposure to whole-body vi bration should be evaluated
using the method defined in International Standard ISO 2631-1:1997 and detailed prac tical guidance on using the
method for measurement of vibration at the workplace is given
in EN 14253:2003.
The r.m.s vibration magnitude is expressed in terms of the
frequency-weighted acceleration at the seat of a seated person
or the feet of a standing person (see Annex B), it is expressed
in units of metres per second squared (m/s²). The r.m.s
vibration magnitude represents the average acceleration over a
measurement period. It is the hi ghest of three orthogonal axes
values (1,4 a
wx, 1,4awy or awz) that is used for the risk
assessment.
The vibration dose value (or VDV) provides an alternative
measure of vibration exposure. The VDV was developed as a
measure that gives a better indication of the risks from
vibrations that include sh ocks. The units for VDV are metres
per second to the power 1,75 (m/s1,75), and unlike the r.m.s vibration magnitude , the
measured VDV is cumulative value, i.e. it increases with measurement time. It is therefore important for any measurement of VDV to know the period over which the In many situations it will not be necessary
to measure vibration magnitudes. However,
it is important to k now when to conduct
measurements.
In this chapter we look at what is measured,
where vibration is measured and how it is
reported.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 19 06/12/2005 value was measured. It is the highest of thr ee orthogonal axis values (1,4 VDV wx,
1,4VDV wy or VDV wz) that is used for the risk assessment.
Making vibration measurements
Measurements should be made to produce vibr ation values that are representative of
the average vibration thr oughout the operator’s working period. It is therefore
important that the operati ng conditions and measurement periods are selected to
achieve this.
Measurements should be made over periods of at least 20 minutes, where short
measurements are necessary they should be at least three minutes long and should be
repeated to give a total measurement tim e of more than 20 minutes (see EN 14253 for
further advice). Longer measurements, of 2 hour s or more are preferable (half or full
working day measurements are sometimes possible).
Further reading:
EN 14253, Mechanical vibration — M easurement and calculation of
occupational exposure to whole-body vibr ation with reference to health —
Practical guidance
European Committee for Standardiza tion (2005). Mechanical vibration –
Guideline for the assessment of exposu re to whole-body vibration of ride on
operated earth-moving machines. Using harmonised data measured by international institutes, organi sations and manufacturers.
CEN/TR First committee draft Munich March 2005.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV EVALUATION OF RISK
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 20 06/12/2005 2.4 Calculating daily vibration exposures
Daily vibration exposure depends on both th e level of vibration and the duration of
exposure.
In this chapter we look at how daily vi bration exposure is calculated from the
exposure times and either the vibration m agnitude information or from vibration
dose values.
Some tools for simplifying the calcul ation of daily exposures and managing
exposure times are given in Annex D .
Worked examples of how daily vibrati on exposures and VDVs can be calculated
are given Annex E
2.4.1 A(8) and VDV daily exposure evaluation
Daily exposure to vibration may be assessed using either or both of the two exposure
measures:
1. Daily vibration exposure, A(8), or
2. Vibration dose value, VDV.
Both measures are dependent on a measured vibration value. The A(8) also requires
an exposure time. Like vibration magnitude, the daily vibration exposure has units of
metres per second squared (m/s²).
If the VDV is measured over a measuremen t period that is sh orter than the full
working day (as it usually will be), then the resulting measurement will need to be
scaled up.
Instructions and worked examples s howing how to calculate A(8) and VDV
exposures are given in Annex E .
2.4.2 Uncertainty of daily exposure evaluations
Where vibration magnitude and exposure time are measured the uncertainties
associated with the evaluation of A(8) and VDV can be as much as 20 – 40%. Where
either the exposure time or the vibrati on magnitude is estimated — e.g. based on
information from the worker (exposure time) or manufacturer (magnitude) — then the
uncertainty in the evaluation of daily exposure can be much higher.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 21 06/12/2005 CHAPTER 3 REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
To control risk we must have a strategy that can deliver reduced exposure to
whole-body vibration effectively.
In this chapter we look at the process of developing a control strategy, including
how to prioritise your control activities.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 22 06/12/2005 3.1 Developing a control strategy
A risk assessment should enable methods fo r controlling exposure to be identified.
While you are assessing the vibration expos ures, you should be thinking about the
work processes that cause them. Unders tanding why workers are exposed to high
vibrations and ergonomic risks will help id entify methods for reducing or eliminating
the risks.
The important stages in this management process are:
• identifying the chief sources of vibration,
• ranking them in terms of their contribution to the risk,
• identifying and evaluating potential soluti ons in terms of prac ticability and cost,
• establishing targets which can be realistically achieved.
• allocating priorities and estab lishing an 'action programme';
• defining management responsibilities and allocating adequate resources;
• implementing the programme;
• monitoring progress;
• evaluating the programme.
The approach you take to reduce risks fr om whole-body vibration will depend on the
practical aspects of your part icular processes and on the current levels of exposure.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 23 06/12/2005 3.2 Risk controls
To control risk you must remove or re duce exposure to whole-body vibration. It
may also be possible to take actions that reduce the likelihood of developing or
aggravating injury. It is likely that effect ive control will be based on a combination
of several methods.
In this chapter we look at the engi neering, management and other methods that
should be considered when l ooking for control solutions.
3.2.1 Substitution of other working methods
It may be possible to find alternative work methods that eliminate or reduce exposure
to vibration, e.g. by transporting material s by conveyor rather than using mobile
machinery. To keep up-to-date on the met hods available you should check regularly
with:
your trade association;
other industry contacts;
equipment suppliers;
trade journals.
3.2.2 Equipment selection
You should make sure that equipment
selected or allocated for tasks is suitable and can do the work efficiently. Equipment which is unsuitable or of insufficient capacity is likely to take much longer to complete the task and expose employees to
vibration for longer than is necessary.
Choose machines with cab layouts and
control levers arranged so that the operator
is able to maintain a comfortable upright posture and will not need to twist the body
excessively, or maintain twisted postures for any length of time.
Selection of tyres can be important; tyres will absorb some effects of uneven ground.
However, tyres cannot absorb the vibration from larger lumps and potholes, and soft tyres on undulating ground can amplify a vehicl e’s vertical motions. Tyres need to be
selected so that the vehicl e can handle rougher terrain.
To keep up-to-date on the machinery, susp ension systems and accessories available
you should check regularly with:
equipment suppliers;
your trade association;
other industry contacts;
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 24 06/12/2005 trade journals.
3.2.3 Purchasing policy
Make sure your purchasing department has a policy on purchasing suitable
equipment, that takes into account vibr ation emission, ergonomic factors, driver
vision and your operating requirements.
Anyone supplying machinery for use in Eur ope must comply with the Machinery
Directive (Directive 98/37/EC). The supplier should advise you of any risks presented
by the machine, including those from w hole-body vibration. The information about
vibration should include:
• the vibration emission (as reported in the instruction handbook);
• how has the emission value been obtained;
• any circumstances under which the mach ine can generate whole-body vibration
exposures above the exposure action value;
• any circumstances under which the mach ine can generate whole-body vibration
exposures above the exposure limit value;
• any applications of the machine that are believed to increase the risk of whole-
body vibration injury;
• how to use the machine safely and any special training requirements for this,
• any special training (of drivers, mainte nance crew, etc.) recommended to control
whole-body vibration exposures;
• how to maintain the machine in good condition;
• information showing that the seat provide d in the vehicle reduces the vibration
exposure to the lowest level th at can reasonably be achieved;
• any options that are available that ar e recommended for control of whole-body
vibration in specific applications of the machine.
3.2.4 Task and process design
Work tasks should be designed so that:
• whole-body vibration exposures are as low as practicable,
• the daily period of exposure to excessive vibration is as short as possible,
• the exposure to severe shocks is avoided and
• the working posture does not increase the risks of back injury.
In many cases, travelling over rough or uneve n ground is the main contributor to the
vibration exposure. Vibra tion exposure may be redu ced and controlled by:
• minimising the travelling distances,
• limiting the vehicle speeds,
• improving the road surfaces (removing obstacles, filling potholes, levelling
surfaces over which vehicles are driven, etc),
• providing a suitable suspended seat which is set correctly for the driver’s weight.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 25 06/12/2005 A good posture is vital for minimising the risk s of back injury when driving. Posture
can be improved by:
• improving the drivers vision from the cab (to minimise twisting of the back and
neck),
• relocating machine controls (to minimise repeated stretching),
• providing a seat, that fits a ll the drivers that will use the vehicle, fits the space
available within the cab and is suit able for the task being carried out,
• using seat-belts to maintain the driver in the best position, providing support for
the back.
3.2.5 Maintenance
Regular servicing of vehicles , attachments and the roadways they use will help keep
vibration magnitudes down to a minimum, so:
• maintain road surfaces;
• replace worn parts (includi ng any seat suspension);,
• check and replace defective vibrati on dampers, bearings and gears;
• tune engines;
• maintain tyres and ensure they are inflated to correct pressures for the surface
and load conditions;
• lubricate seat suspensions.
3.2.6 Training and information to workers
It is important that you provide operators and supervisors with information on:
• the potential injury arising from the work equipment
in use;
• the exposure limit values and the exposure action
values;
• the results of the vibration risk assessment and any
vibration measurements;
• the control measures being used to eliminate or
reduce risks from whole-body vibration;
• safe working practices th at minimise exposure to
vibration;
• why and how to detect and report signs of injury;
• the circumstances in which workers are entitled to
health surveillance.
You will be relying on the operators of vehi cles and machines to make your control
measures effective. You should consult w ith the workers and their representatives
when implementing control measures. Worker s have a duty to make correct use of
machinery and to cooperate with the em ployer to ensure that their working
environment and working conditions are safe and pose no risk to safety and health.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 26 06/12/2005 Workers should be trained in driving tec hniques that minimise vibration exposure.
They should be made aware of the effect of driving speed, and if speed limits are
imposed, the reasons for imposing them.
Where seat suspension systems are fitted, driv ers should be shown how to adjust them
for their own weight. They also need to be shown how to set other seat controls (fore-
aft position, height, back-re st inclination etc…) to achieve the best posture.
Drivers and maintenance technicians need to be trained to rec ognise when machine
components that affect vibration exposure and posture, such as the seat suspension
system, need maintenance or replacing.
Workers should also be advised on the imp act of non-work activi ties on the risks to
their health. To reduce the risks of developing lower-back pain workers should be
encouraged to maintain their general fitness, and to consider the risks to their backs
from non-work activities, for example us ing poor lifting techniques or adopting poor
postures for long periods.
3.2.7 Work schedules
To control the risks from whole-body vi bration you may need to limit the time
workers are exposed to vibration fr om some vehicles or machines.
3.2.8 Collective measures
Where several undertakings share a work pl ace, the various employers are required to
cooperate in implementing the safety, h ealth and occupational hygiene provisions.
This may mean, for example, ensuring that a road surface is adequately maintained, so
that vibration exposure of employees from another company operating at the same
location may be controlled.
3.2.9 Suspension seats
The machine supplier should provide information on appropriate
seats for their vehicles. Suspension seats are not always
appropriate, but the machine manufacturers must provide a seat
designed to reduce vibration transmitted to the driver to the lowest level that can reasonably be achieved.
Where suspension seats are provided , it is important that the seat
suspension is appropriate for the vehicle. Poor choice of seat
suspension systems can easily result in a higher vibration exposure than would be given w ithout the suspension. All seat
suspension systems have a range of frequencies that they amplify. If the dominant frequencies of the vehicle vibration fall within this
amplification range, the seat suspension w ill make the driver’s vibration exposure
worse. ISO EN 7096:2000 provides performan ce criteria for earth moving machinery
that are designed to ensure appropri ate performance of seat suspension.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 27 06/12/2005 The seat suspension system must also be select ed so that, in typica l use, it is unlikely
to hit its top or bottom end-stops. Striking the end-stops creates shock vibrations, so
increasing the risk of back injury.
The seat suspension must be easy to adju st for the operator's weight and body size.
Height, fore-aft and backrest adjustments ar e especially important. The seat cushions
should be ergonomically designed
Further reading:
CEN/TR 15172-1, Whole-body vibration – Guidelines for vibration hazards
reduction – Part 1: Engineering methods by design of machinery.
CEN/TR 15172-2, Whole-body vibration – Guidelines for vibration hazards
reduction – Part 2: Management measures at the workplace.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 28 06/12/2005 3.3 Vibration monitoring and reassessment
Management of vibration exposure is an ongoing process, you need to ensure that
the control systems are being used and that they are giving the expected results
In this chapter we look at how to monito r the vibration controls and when to repeat
the risk assessment.
3.3.1 How do I know if my whole-body vibration controls are working?
You will also need to review your whole- body vibration controls periodically to
ensure they are stil l relevant and effective. You should:
• Check regularly that managers and employees are still carrying out the
programme of controls you have introduced;
• Talk regularly to managers, supervisors, employees and safety or employee
representatives about whethe r there are any vibration or postural problems with
the vehicles or machines or th e way they are being used;
• Check the results of health surveillance and discuss with the health service
provider whether the controls appear to be effective or need to be changed.
3.3.2 When do I need to re peat the risk assessment?
You will need to reassess risks from vi bration, and how you control them, whenever
there are changes in the workplace that may affect the level of exposure, such as:
• the introduction of different machinery or processes,
• changes in the work pattern or working methods,
• changes in the number of hours worked with the vibrating equipment,
• the introduction of new vibr ation control measures.
You will also need to reassess the risks if there is evidence (e.g. from health
surveillance) that your existing controls are not effective.
The extent of the reassessment will depend on the nature of the changes and the
number of people affected by them. A change in hours or work patterns may require a
recalculation of the daily exposure for the people affected, but will not necessarily
alter the vibration magnitudes. The introduc tion of new vehicles or machinery may
require a full reassessment.
It is good practice to review your risk a ssessment and work practices at regular
intervals, even if nothi ng obvious has changed. There may be new technology,
machine designs or ways of working in your industry that woul d allow you to reduce
risks further.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 29 06/12/2005 CHAPTER 4 HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
Health surveillance is about putting in place systematic, re gular and appropriate
procedures to detect early signs of wo rk-related ill hea lth, and acting on the
results. The aims are primarily to sa feguard the health of workers (including
identifying and protecting individuals at incr eased risk), but also to check the long-
term effectiveness of control measures.
It is impossible to provide definitive guidance on health surveillance in this guide,
due to the differences in health surve illance practices across the European Union.
In this chapter we re-state the requirem ents for health surveillance given in the
vibration directive and revi ew some of the assessme nt techniques available.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 30 06/12/2005 4.1 When is health surveillance required?
Member States shall adopt provisions to ensu re the appropriate health surveillance of
workers where the whole-body vibration risk assessment indicates a risk to their
health. The provision of health surveillan ce, including the require ments specified for
health records and their availability, sha ll be introduced in accordance with national
laws and/or practice.
Employers should provide appropriate health surveillance where the risk assessment
indicates a risk to workers’ health. He alth surveillance shoul d be instituted for
workers who are at risk from vibration injury, where:
• the exposure of workers to vibration is such that a link can be established
between that exposure and an identifiable illness or harmful effects on health,
• it is probable that the illness or the effect s occur in a worker’s particular working
conditions, and
• there are tested techniques for the detec tion of the illness or the harmful effects
on health.
In any event, workers whose daily vibrat ion exposure exceeds the daily exposure
action value are entitled to appropriate health surveillance.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 31 06/12/2005 4.2 What techniques are available?
Health surveillance should cons ist of an evaluation of the case history for a worker in
conjunction with a physical examinat ion conducted by a qualified physician.
Questionnaires for whole-body vibration he alth surveillance are available from
various sources (e.g. http://www.humanvibrati on.com/EU/EU_index.htm ).
The case history
The case history should focus on:
• family history;
• social history, including smoking ha bit and alcohol consumption and
involvement in physical activities;
• work history, including past and current occupations with exposure to whole-
body vibration, working posture, lifting ta sks and other work-related back
stressors and any leisure activities invol ving the use of vibrating machinery;
• personal health history.
The physical examination
A physical examination on the lower back should be performed on workers who have
experienced lower back pain over the pa st 12 months. The physical examination
should include:
• examination of the back function and eval uation of the effects on pain of forward
and lateral flexion and extension;
• straight leg raising test;
• peripheral neurological examination (kn ee and Achilles tendon reflexes and the
sensitivity in leg and foot);
• signs of muscle weakness (extension mm quadriceps, flexion/extension big
toe/foot);
• back endurance test;
• Waddel’s signs of non-organic pain.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 32 06/12/2005 4.3 What recording is required?
Member States shall establish arrangemen ts to ensure that, for each worker who
undergoes health surveillance individual health records are made and kept up-to-date.
Health records shall contain a summary of the results of the health surveillance
carried out. They shall be kept in a suitable form so as to permit any consultation at a
later date, taking into ac count any confidentiality.
Copies of the appropriate records shall be supplied to the competent authority on
request. The individual worker shall, at their request, have access to the health records
relating to them personally.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 33 06/12/2005 4.4 What to do if injury is identified?
The health surveillance, may identify a worker with an id entifiable disease or adverse
health effect which is considered by a doc tor or occupational h ealth-care professional
to be the result of exposure to whole-body vi bration at work. Where such a worker is
identified then information must be provi ded to the worker and the employer; the
employer must take action to prevent further injury.
Information for the worker
The worker shall be informed, by the doctor or other suitably qualified person, of the
results of their own personal he alth surveillance. In partic ular, workers shall be given
information and advice regarding any health surveillance that they should undergo
following the end of exposure.
Information for the employer
The employer shall be informed of a ny significant findings from the health
surveillance, taking into account any medical confidentiality.
Employer actions
• Review the whole-body vibr ation risk assessment,
• Review the measures provided to elim inate or reduce risks from whole-body
vibration exposure,
• Take into account the advice of the occupa tional healthcare professional or other
suitably qualified person or the comp etent authority in implementing any
measures required to eliminate or reduce risks from whole-body vibration
exposure, including the possibi lity of assigning the work er to alternative work
where there is no risk of further exposure, and
• Arrange continued health su rveillance and provide for a review of the health
status of any other worker who has been similarly exposed. In such cases, the
competent doctor or occupational health care professional or the competent
authority may propose that exposed persons undergo a medical examination.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX A HEALTH RISKS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 34 06/12/2005
ANNEX A HEALTH RISKS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A.1 Effects of whole-body vibration on the human body
The transmission of vibration to the body is dependent on body posture. The effects of
vibration are therefore complex. Exposur e to whole-body vibra tion causes motions
and forces within the human body that may:
• cause discomfort,
• adversely affect performance.
• aggravate pre-existing back injuries and
• present a health and safety risk.
Low-frequency vibration of th e body can cause motion sickness.
Epidemiological studies of long-term expos ure to whole-body vibration have shown
evidence for an elevated risk to health, mainly in the lumbar spine but also in the neck
and shoulder.
A.2 Lower-back pain and back , shoulder or neck disorders
The results of epidemiological studies show a higher prevalence rate of
low-back pain, herniated disc and early degeneration of the spine in
whole-body vibration exposed groups. Increased duration of vibration
exposure and increased intensity ar e assumed to increase the risk,
while periods of rest reduce the risk. Many drivers complain also
about disorders in the neck-s houlder although epidemiological
researches are inconclusive on this effect.
Low-back pain and back, shoulder or neck disorders are not specific
to vibration exposures. There ar e many confounding factors such as
working posture, anthropometric characteristics, muscle tone, physical workload, and individual su sceptibility (age, pre-existing
disorders, muscle force, etc.).
Driving of mobile machines does not only involve exposure to whole-
body vibration but also to several ot her factors that put strains on the
back, shoulder or neck. The most important being:
• prolonged sitting in constrained postures,
• prolonged sitting in poor postures,
• frequent twisting of the spine
• needing to adopt twisted head postures,
• frequent lifting and material ha ndling (e. g. drivers of delivery
trucks),
• traumatic injuries,
• unexpected movements,
• unfavourable climatic conditions and
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX A HEALTH RISKS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 35 06/12/2005 • stress.
In some countries and under certain conditi ons, lumbar disorders occurring in workers
exposed to whole-body vibrati on are considered to be an occupational disease.
A.3 Other disorders
The question of whether whol e-body vibration exposure might lead to digestive or
circulatory disorders or a dverse affects on the reproductive system remains open. In
some cases an increased prevalence of gast ro-intestinal complain ts, peptic ulcer and
gastritis have been reported in drivers of vibrating vehicles . Whole-body vibration
seems to be a factor that in combination w ith the long-term sitti ng posture of drivers
contributes to the occurrence of varicose veins and haemorrhoids. Some studies have
reported evidence of effects on the digestiv e system, the female reproductive organs
and the peripheral veins.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX B VI BRATION DIRECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 36 06/12/2005 ANNEX B SUMMARY OF RESPON SIBILITIES DEFINED BY
DIRECTIVE 2002/44/EC
Table B.1 Summary of responsibilit ies defined by Directive 2002/44/EC
Directive
Article Who When Requirement
Article 4 Employer Potential risk
from whole-
body
vibration Determination and assessment of risk:
Use someone who is competent to assess the
whole-body vibration risk.
Be in possession of the risk assessment.
Identify measures required for control of
exposure and worker information and training.
Keep the risk assessment up to date.
Risks from
vibration Avoiding or reducing exposure:
Take general actions to eliminate exposures or
reduce them to a minimum
Exposures
above the
exposure
action value Establish and implement programme of
measures to eliminate, or reduce to a minimum, exposures to whole-body vibration risks
Exposures
above the
exposure
limit value Take immediate action to prevent exposure
above the limit value
Identify why exposures limit value has been
exceeded Article 5
Employer
Workers at
particular risk Adapt to requirements of workers at particular
risk
Article 6
Employer Workers at
risk from
whole-body
vibration Worker information and training: For all workers exposed to whole-body
vibration risks.
Article 7
Employer Workers at
risk from
whole-body
vibration Worker consultation and participation:
To consult, in a balanced way and in good
time, workers and their representatives on risk assessment, control measures, health
surveillance and training.
Doctor or
suitably qualified person Where ill
health is
identified Health Surveillance:
Inform worker of results of health surveillance
Provide information and advice to worker on
health surveillance necessa ry when exposure to
whole-body vibration has finished.
Provide significant findings of health
surveillance to employer
Employer Where ill
health is
identified Review risk assessment
Further eliminate or reduce risks
Review the health status of similarly exposed
employees. Article 8
Employer Exposures
above the
exposure
action value Employees entitled to appropriate health
surveillance
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX C WHAT IS VIBRATION?
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 37 06/12/2005 ANNEX C WHAT IS VIBRATION?
C.1 What is vibration?
Vibrations arise when a body moves back a nd forth due to external and internal
forces, Figure B.1 . In the case of whole-body vibration, the seat of a vehicle vibrates,
and this motion is transmitted into the body of the driver.
Figure B.1 Oscillation of a child on a swing
C.2 What is measured?
Vibration is defined by its magnitude a nd frequency. The magnitude of vibration
could be expressed as the vibration displacem ent (in metres), the vibration velocity (in
metres per second) or the vibration acceler ation (in metres per second per second or
m/s²). However, most vibration transducer s produce an output that is related to
acceleration (their output is dependent on th e force acting on a fixed mass within the
transducer and, for a fixed mass, force a nd acceleration are dire ctly related); so
acceleration has traditio nally been used to describe vibration.
The vibration transducer measures acceleration in one di rection only, so to get a more
complete picture of the vibration on a surf ace, three transducers are needed: one in
each axis as illustrated in Figure B.2 .
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX C WHAT IS VIBRATION?
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 38 06/12/2005
Figure B.2 Vibrati on measurement axes
C.3 What is frequency and frequency weighting?
Frequency represents the number of times per second the vibrating body moves back
and forth. It is expressed as a value in cycles per second, more usually known as Hertz
(abbreviated to Hz).
For whole-body vibration, the frequencies thought to be im portant range from 0,5Hz
to 80Hz. However, because the risk of da mage is not equal at all frequencies a
frequency-weighting is used to represent the likelihood of damage from the different
frequencies. As a result, the weighted acceleration decreases when the frequency
increases. For whole-body vibration, two different frequency we ightings are used.
One weighting (the Wd weighting ) applies to the two latera l axes: x and y, and another
(the Wk weighting ) applies to the verti cal, z-axis vibration.
When considering the risks to health from whole-body vibration an additional
multiplying factor must be applied to the fr equency weighted vibration values. For the
two lateral axes (x and y) the acceler ation values are multiplied by 1,4. For the
vertical, z-axis vibrat ion the factor is 1,0.
C.4 What parameters are used for exposure assessment?
The vibration directive allows for two vibra tion assessment methods:
• the daily exposure, A(8) – the continuous equivalent acceleration, normalised to
an 8 hour day, the A(8) value is base d on root-mean-square averaging of the
acceleration signal and ha s units of m/s²; and
• the vibration dose value (VDV) is a cumulative dose, based on the 4th root-mean-
quad of the acceleration si gnal with units of m/s1,75.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX C WHAT IS VIBRATION?
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 39 06/12/2005 C.5 What instrumentation should be used?
Whole-body vibration measuring equipmen t should comply with the ISO 8041:2005
specifications for whole-body vibrat ion measuring instruments.
Further reading:
ISO 2631-1:1997 Mechanical vibration and shock – Evaluation of human
exposure to whole-body vibration – Part 1: General requirements
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX D TOOLS FOR CALCULATING EXPOSURES
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 40 06/12/2005 ANNEX D TOOLS FOR CALCULATING DAILY EXPOSURES
D.1 Web-based tools
Some web-based calculators are available that simplify the process of doing daily
vibration exposure calculations, e.g.:
www.hse.gov.uk/vibrati on/calculator.htm
http://vibration.arbets livsinstitutet.se/eng/wbvcalculator.lasso .
D.2 Daily exposure graph
The graph in Figure D.1 gives a simple alternativ e method for looking up daily
exposures or partial vibration exposures without the need for a calculator.
Simply look on the graph for the A(8) line at or just above where your vibration
magnitude value ( kaw)max and exposure time lines meet (the factor k is either 1,4 for
the x- and y-axes or 1,0 for the z- axis i.e. vertical direction).
The green area in Figure D1 indicates exposures likely to below the exposure action
value. These exposures must not be assume d to be “safe”. There may be a risk of
whole-body vibration injury for exposures below the exposure action value, and so
some exposures within the green area may cause vibration injury in some workers,
especially after many years of exposure.
D.3 Daily exposure nomogram
The nomogram in Figure D.2 provides a simple alternative method of obtaining daily
vibration exposures, wit hout using the equations:
1. On the left hand line find the point corre sponding to the vibration magnitude (use
the left scale for x- and y-axis values; the right scale for z-axis values).
2. Draw a line from the point on the left hand line (representing the vibration
magnitude) to a point on the right hand line (representing the exposure time);
3. Read off the partial exposures where the line crosses the central scale.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX D TOOLS FOR CALCULATING EXPOSURES
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 41 06/12/2005 D.4 Exposure points system
Whole-body vibration exposure management can be simplified by using an exposure
“points” system. For any vehicle or mach ine operated, the number of exposure points
accumulated in an hour ( PE,1h in points per hour) can be obtained from the vibration
magnitude aw in m/s² and the factor k (either 1,4 for x- and y-axes or 1,0 for the z-
axis) using:
()2
1, 50w hE ka P =
Exposure points are simply added togeth er, so you can set a maximum number of
exposure points for any person in one day.
The exposure scores corresponding to the exposure action and limit values are:
• exposure action value (0,5 m/s²) = 100 points;
• exposure limit value (1,15 m/s²) ≅ 529 points.
In general the number of exposure points, PE,
is defined by:
100hours82
m/s²5,0T wka
EP
=
Where aw is the vibration magnitude in m/s²,
T is the exposure time in hours and k is the
multiplying factor of either 1,4 for x- and y-
axes or 1,0 for the z-axis.
Alternatively Figure D.3 gives a simple
method for looking up the exposure points. The daily exposure A(8),
can be calculated from the
exposure point using:
()100m/s²5,08EPA=
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX D TOOLS FOR CALCULATING EXPOSURES
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 42 06/12/2005 A(8)=2.0m/s²
A(8)=1.8m/s²
A(8)=1.6m/s²
A(8)=1.4m/s²
A(8)=1.2m/s²
A(8)=1.15m/s²
A(8)=1.0m/s²
A(8)=0.8m/s²
A(8)=0.6m/s²
A(8)=0.5m/s²
A(8)=0.4m/s²
A(8)=0.2m/s²
Example:
1.2m/s² for 4 hours 30mins
gives A(8)=0.9m/s²00.20.40.60.811.21.41.61.822.22.42.62.833.23.43.63.84
0:00
0:301:00
1:30
2:002:303:00
3:30
4:00
4:305:00
5:30
6:00
6:30
7:00
7:30
8:008:30
9:00
9:30
10:00 Exposure time (hh:mm)(kaw)max (m/s²)
Figure D.1 Daily exposure graph
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX D TOOLS FOR CALCULATING EXPOSURES
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 43 06/12/2005 Instructions:
For each exposure, draw a line between the weighted
acceleration (using the scale appropriate to the axis of
vibration) and the exposure time. Read off the partial
vibration exposure (8) , from the point where the
line crosses the centre scale.AiWeighted
acceleration
(m/s²)aw
Use this
scale for the
and axesxyUse this
scale for the
axiszDaily
Exposure
Time
TMinutes4060100
80
30
20
15
8
6
5
4
3
2
110Hours4
3
210
1.08
0.86
0.65
0.51.5EL V 1.15 m/s²
EAV 0.5 m/s²4
0.445
3
0.32
0.21.010
0.10.88
0.66
1.5
0.15
0.44
3
0.32
0.21.0
0.10.8
0.66
0.55
1.5
0.150.44
3
0.32
0.21.0
0.10.88
0.66
0.55
1.5
0.15Partial
Vibration
Exposure
(8)
(m/s²)Ai
A aT
i(8) =
8hourshv
Figure D.2 Nomogram for A(8) values
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX D TOOLS FOR CALCULATING EXPOSURES
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 44 06/12/2005 2 50 100 200 400 600 800 1000 1000 1600 2000 2400
1.9 45 90 180 360 540 720 905 905 1450 1800 2150
1.8 41 81 160 325 485 650 810 810 1300 1600 1950
1.7 36 72 145 290 435 580 725 725 1150 1450 1750
1.6 32 64 130 255 385 510 640 640 1000 1300 1550
1.5 28 56 115 225 340 450 565 565 900 1150 1350
1.4 25 49 98 195 295 390 490 490 785 980 1200
1.3 21 42 85 170 255 340 425 425 675 845 1000
1.2 18 36 72 145 215 290 360 360 575 720 865
1.1 15 30 61 120 180 240 305 305 485 605 725
1 13 25 50 100 150 200 250 250 400 500 600
0.9 10 20 41 81 120 160 205 205 325 405 485
0.8 8 16 32 64 96 130 160 160 255 320 385
0.7 6 12 25 49 74 98 125 125 195 245 295
0.6 5 9 18 36 54 72 90 90 145 180 215
0.5 3 6 13 25 38 50 63 63 100 125 150
0.4 2 4 8 16 24 32 40 40 64 80 96
0.3 1259 1 4 1 8 2 3 2 3 3 6 4 5 5 4
0.2 112468 1 0 1 0 1 6 2 0 2 4
15m 30m 1h 2h 3h 4h 5h 6h 8h 10h 12hAcceleration x k(m/s²)
Daily Exposure time
Figure D.3 Exposure points calculator
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX E HEALTH EFFECTS QUESTIONNAIRE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 45 06/12/2005 ANNEX E DAILY EXPOSURE WORKED EXAMPLES
E.1 Daily exposure: A(8), wh ere there is just one task
Step 1: Determine the three
frequency weighted r.m.s acceleration values a
wx, awy
and awz., from
manufacturer’s data, other sources, or measurement.
Step 2: Find the daily exposures in
the three directions, x, y and
z from:
()
0exp4,18TTa Awx x=
()
0exp4,18TTa Awy y=
()
0exp8TTa Awz z=
Where
Texp is the daily duration
of exposure to the vibration and
T0 is the reference
duration of eight hours.
Step 3: The highest value of Ax(8),
Ay(8) and Az(8) is the daily
vibration exposure. Example
A tree harvester driver operates the vehicle
for 6½ hours a day.
Step 1: The vibration values on the seat
are:
• x-axis: 0,2 m/s²
• y-axis: 0,4 m/s²
• z-axis: 0,25 m/s²
Step 2: The x, y and z axis daily
exposures are then:
() 25,085,62,04,18 = × =xA m/s²
() 5,085,64,04,18 = × =yA m/s²
() 23,085,625,08 = =zA m/s²
Step 3: Daily vibration exposure, A(8) is
the highest of these values. In this
case, the y-axis, i.e. 0,5m/s².
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX E HEALTH EFFECTS QUESTIONNAIRE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 46 06/12/2005 E.2 Daily exposure: A(8), wher e there is more than one task
If a person is exposed to more than one s ource of vibration (perhaps because they use
two or more different machines or activities during the day) then a partial vibration
exposure is calculated from the magnitude and duration for each axis and for each
exposure. The partial vibration values are co mbined to give the overall daily exposure
value, A(8), for that person, for each axis. Th e daily vibration exposure is then the
highest of the three single axis values.
Step 1: Determine the three frequency weighted r.m.s acceleration values awx, awy
and awz., for each task or vehicle, from manufacturer’s data, other sources,
or measurement.
Step 2: For each vehicle or task, find the pa rtial daily exposures in the three
directions, x, y and z using:
()
0exp
, 4,18TTa Awx ix =
()
0exp
, 4,18TTa Awy iy =
()
0exp
,8TTa Awz iz =
Where
Texp is the daily duration of exposure to the vibration and
T0 is the reference duration of eight hours.
Each partial vibration exposure represen ts the contribution of a particular
source of vibration (machine or activ ity) to the worker’s total daily
exposure. Knowledge of the partial exposure values will help you decide
on your priorities: the machines or activ ities or processes with the highest
partial vibration exposure values are t hose that should be given priority for
control measures.
Step 3: For each axis ( j), the overall daily vibrati on exposure can be calculated
from the partial vibratio n exposure values, using:
() () () () K+ + + =2
32
22
1 8 8 8 8j j j j A A A A
where Aj1(8), Aj2(8), Aj3(8), etc. are the partial vibration exposure values for
the different vibration sources.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX E HEALTH EFFECTS QUESTIONNAIRE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 47 06/12/2005 Step 4: The highest value of Ax(8), Ay(8) and Az(8) is the daily vibration exposure.
Example
A delivery driver spends 1 hour loading his lorry using a small forklift truck,
followed by 6 hours driving the delivery lorry each day.
Step 1: The vibration values on the seat are:
Forklift truck Delivery lorry
x-axis: 0,5 m/s²
y-axis: 0,3 m/s²
z-axis: 0,9 m/s² x-axis: 0,2 m/s²
y-axis: 0,3 m/s²
z-axis: 0,3 m/s²
Step 2: The x, y and z axis daily exposures are then: Forklift truck Delivery lorry
() 25,0815,04,18, = × =forkliftxA m/s²
() 15,0813,04,18, = × =forkliftyA m/s²
() 32,0819,08, = =forkliftzA m/s²
() 24,0862,04,18, = × =lorryxA m/s²
() 36,0863,04,18, = × =lorryyA m/s²
() 26,0863,08, = =lorryzA m/s²
Step 3: Daily vibration exposure, for each axis are:
() 3,0 24,0 25,0 82 2= + =xA m/s²
() 4,0 36,0 15,0 82 2= + =yA m/s²
() 4,0 26,0 32,0 82 2= + = xA m/s²
Step 4: The driver’s daily whole-body vibratio n exposure is the hi ghest axis A(8)
value, i.e. the value for the y or z-axes: 0,4m/s².
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX E HEALTH EFFECTS QUESTIONNAIRE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 48 06/12/2005 E.3 Daily exposure: VDV, whe re there is just one task
Step 1: Determine the three frequency
weighted VDVs VDV x,
VDV y and VDV z.
(Note – VDV data less widely reported than r.m.s data and is not required to be reported by manufacturers, so VDV values are likely to come from a measured rather than published data).
Step 2: Find the daily exposures in the three directions, x, y and z from:
41
exp4,1, exp, × =
measTT
x ix VDV VDV
41
exp4,1, exp, × =
measTT
y iy VDV VDV
41
exp
, exp, =
measTT
z izVDV VDV
Where:
Tmeas is the measurement
period, and
Texp is the daily duration of
exposure to the vibration.
Step 3: The highest value of VDV exp,x, VDV exp,y and VDV exp,z is the daily VDV. Example
A tree harvester driver operates the vehicle for
6½ hours a day.
Step 1: The VDVs measured on the seat
during a 2 hour measurement period are::
• x-axis: 3 m/s
1,75
• y-axis: 5 m/s1,75
• z-axis: 4 m/s1,75
Step 2: The x, y and z axis VDV exposures
are then:
() 6,5 34,141
25,6
exp, = × =x VDV m/s1,75
() 4,9 54,141
25,6
exp, = × =y VDV m/s1,75
4,525,64 exp,41
==z VDV m/s1,75
Step 3: Daily VDV is the highest of these
values. In this case, the y-axis, i.e.
9,4m/s1,75.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX E HEALTH EFFECTS QUESTIONNAIRE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 49 06/12/2005 E.4 Daily exposure: VDV, whe re there is more than one task
If a person is exposed to more than one so urce of vibration (perhaps because they use
two or more different machines or activities during the day) then a partial VDV is
calculated from the magnitude and duration for each axis and for each exposure. The partial VDVs are combined to give the ove rall daily VDV for that person, for each
axis. The daily VDV is then the highes t of the three single axis values.
Step 1: Determine the three frequency weighted VDVs VDV x, VDV y and VDV z,
for each task or vehicle.
Step 2: Find the partial VDVs in the thr ee directions, x, y and z from:
41
exp4,1exp, × =
measTT
x x VDV VDV
41
exp4,1exp, × =
measTT
y y VDV VDV
41
exp
exp, =
measTT
z zVDV VDV
Where:
Tmeas is the measurement period, and
Texp is the daily duration of exposure to the vibration.
Step 3: For each axis ( j), the overall daily VDV can be calculated from the partial
vibration exposure values, using:
( )414
34
24
1 K+ + + =j j j j VDV VDV VDV VDV
where VDV j1, VDV j2, VDV j3, etc. are the partial vibration exposure values
for the different vibration sources.
Step 4: The highest value of VDV x, VDV y and VDV z is the daily VDV.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX E HEALTH EFFECTS QUESTIONNAIRE
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 50 06/12/2005 Example
A delivery driver spends 1 hour loading his lorry using a small forklift truck,
followed by 6 hours driving the delivery lorry each day.
Step 1: The vibration values on the seat, measured for 1 hour on the forklift and
4 hours on the delivery truck, are:
Forklift truck Delivery lorry
x-axis: 6 m/s1,75
y-axis: 4 m/s1,75
z-axis: 12 m/s1,75 x-axis: 4 m/s1,75
y-axis: 5 m/s1,75
z-axis: 6 m/s1,75
Step 2: The x, y and z axis partial VDVs are then: Forklift truck Delivery lorry
() 8 64,141
11
, exp, = × =fltx VDV m/s1,75 () 6 44,141
46, exp, = × =lorryx VDV m/s1,75
() 6 44,141
11
, exp, = × =flty VDV m/s1,75 () 8 54,141
46, exp, = × =lorryy VDV m/s1,75
() 12 1241
11
, exp, = =fltz VDV m/s1,75 () 7 641
46
, exp, = =fltz VDV m/s1,75
Step 3: Daily vibration exposure, for each axis are:
() 9 6 8414 4= + =x VDV m/s1,75
() 9 86414 4= + =y VDV m/s1,75
() 12 7 12414 4= + =z VDV m/s1,75
Step 4: The driver’s daily whole-body vibrat ion exposure is the highest axis
VDV, i.e. the value for the z-axis: 12m/s1,75.
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX F GLOSSARY
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 51 06/12/2005 ANNEX F GLOSSARY
Whole-body vibration … The mechanical vibr ation that, when transmitted to the whole
body, entails risks to the health and safety of workers, in
particular lower-back morbidity and trauma of the spine.
Vibration emission…….. The vibration value provided by machine manufacturers to
indicate the vibration likely to occur on their machines. The vibration emission value sh ould be obtained using
standardised test code, and has to be included in the
machine’s instructions.
Frequency-weighting …. A filter applied to vibration measurements to mimic the
frequency dependence of the risk of damage to the body.
Two weightings are used for whole-body vibration:
• Wd for vibration in both the fo re-aft (x) and side-to-side
(y) axes, and
• Wk for the vertical (z) axis.
Daily vibration exposure, A(8)
The 8-hour energy equivalent vibration total value for a worker in meters per second squared (m/s²), including all
hand-arm vibration exposures during the day.
Vibration dose value, VDV
“A cumulative dose, based on the fourth root of the fourth
power of the acceleration signal. VDV has units of m/s
1,75.
Health surveillance…….. A programme of hea lth checks on workers to identify early
effects of injury resulting from work activities.
Exposure action value… A value for eith er a workers daily vibration exposure, A(8) of
0,5m/s², or a workers daily VDV of 9,1m/s1,75, above which
the risks from vibration e xposure must be controlled.2
Exposure limit value ….. A value for either a workers daily vibration exposure, A(8) of
1.15m/s², or a workers daily VDV of 21m/s1,75, above which
employees should not be exposed.2
Exposure time …………… The duration per day that a worker is exposure to a vibration
source.
2 Member States have a choice of using either A(8) or VDV for the exposure action and limit values
EU Good Practice Guide WBV ANNEX G BIBLIOGRAPHY
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 52 06/12/2005 ANNEX G BIBLIOGRAPHY
G.1 EU Directives
Directive 98/37/EC of the European parlia ment and of the Council of 22 June 1998 on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to machinery
Directive 2002/44/EC of the European pa rliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002
on the minimum health and safety requirem ents regarding the exposure of workers to
the risks arising from physical agents (v ibration) (sixteenth individual Directive
within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
Directive of 89/391/EEC of the European parliament and of the Council of 12 June
1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and
health of workers at work
Council Directive 90/269/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum health and safety
requirements for the manual handling of load s where there is a ri sk particularly of
back injury to workers (fourth individual Directive within the meaning of Article
16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
G.2 Standards
European Standards
European Committee for Standardization (1 997) Mechanical vibr ation – Declaration
and verification of vibration emission values.
EN 12096:1997.
European Committee for Standardization (2 001) Mechanical vibration – Industrial
trucks – Laboratory evaluation and specifi cation of operator seat vibration.
EN 13490:2001.
European Committee for Standardization (2001 ) Safety of industrial trucks — Test
methods for measuring vibration.
EN 13059:2001.
European Committee for Standardiza tion (2003) Mechanical vibration —
Measurement and calculation of occupatio nal exposure to whole-body vibration with
reference to health — Practical guidance
EN 14253:2003.
European Committee for Standardization (2 003) Mechanical vibration — Testing of
mobile machinery in order to determine the vibration emission value.
EN 1032:2003.
European Committee for Standardization (2 005). Mechanical vibration — Guideline
for the assessment of exposure to whole- body vibration of ride on operated earth-
moving machines. Using harmonised data measured by international institutes,
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CEN/TR First committee draft Munich March 2005.
European Committee for Standardization. Whole-body vibration — Guidelines for
vibration hazards reduction — Part 1: Engi neering methods by design of machinery.
CEN/TR 15172-1:2005
European Committee for Standardization. Whole-body vibration — Guidelines for
vibration hazards reduction – Part 2: Management measures at the workplace.
CEN/TR 15172-2:2005
International Organization for Standard ization Mechanical vibration (1992)
Mechanical vibration — Laboratory method for evaluating vehicl e seat vibration —
Part 1: Basic requirements.
EN ISO 10326-1:1992
International
International Organization for Standardiza tion (1997) Guide to the evaluation of
human exposure to whole-body mech anical vibration and shock.
ISO 2631-1:1997.
International Organization for Standard ization (2000) Earth moving machinery –
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EN ISO 7096:2000.
International Organization for Standard ization (2001) Mechanical vibration –
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railway vehicles.
ISO 10326-2:2001.
International Organization for Standardiza tion (2005) Human response to vibration —
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ISO 8041:2005.
National
British Standards Institution (1987) Measurement and evaluation of human exposure to whole-body mechanical vibration and repe ated shock. British Standard, BS 6841.
Dachverband der Ingenieure (2002) Human exposure to mechanical vibrations —
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Dachverband der Ingenieure (2005) Protec tive measures against vibration effects on
man. VDI 3831:2005. In German.
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EU Good Practice Guide WBV INDEX
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 58 06/12/2005 INDEX
A
A(8)………………………………………39, 41
acceleration …………………………………38
C
case history…………………………………. 31
collective measures ……………………… 26
constrained postures……………………..34 control strategy…………………………….
22
D
daily exposure: A(8) ………………. 46, 47
daily exposure: VDV ……………… 49, 50
daily vibration exposure, A(8) ………. 20
daily exposure action value…………….. 6
daily exposure limit value………………. 7
daily vibration exposure………………..15 displacement ……………………………….38 driving techniques………………………..26
E
ergonomic factors……………………..6, 10
exposure action value…………………… 10
exposure duration………………………… 15
exposure points system ………………… 42
F
Framework Directive …………………….. 7
frequency…………………………………….38 frequency weighting……………………..
39
frequency-weighted acceleration ……18
H
health surveillance ………………………. 29
health records………………………………32 health surveillance ……………………….28
I
importers …………………………………….16
L
lower-back pain…………………………… 34
M
machinery…………………………………… 11
Machinery Directive …………………….16 magnitude……………………………………38 maintenance …………………………..
25, 26
manual handling…………………………….6 Manual Handling Directive ………….. 11
manufacturers ………………………..16, 26 material handling …………………………34 measurements ……………………………..
19
N
neck……………………………………………34
nomogram………………………………….. 41
O
off-road …………………………………..6, 12
P
physical examination …………………… 31
poor postures……………………………….34 posture………………………….6,
10, 25, 26
purchasing policy………………………… 24
Q
qualified physician……………………….31
R
risk assessment…………………. 10, 22, 28
rough ground………………………………. 10
S
seat suspension…………………………….26
selection …………………………………….. 23
shocks or jolts ……………………………….6 shoulder………………………………………34 substitution………………………………….
23
supplier …………………………………16, 26 suspension seats…………………………..
26
T
task and process design………………… 24
training……………………………………….24 training and information ……………….
25
transitional periods…………………………6 twisting ………………………………………34
U
uncertainty …………………………………. 20
V
VDV…………………………………….. 18, 39
velocity ………………………………………38 vibration controls…………………………28 Vibration Directive ………………………..
7
EU Good Practice Guide WBV INDEX
WBV Good practice Guide V4.2.doc Page 59 06/12/2005 vibration dose value ……………………6, 7
vibration emission…………………..16, 24 vibration injury…………………………….30 vibration magnitude ……………………..
18
vibration risk assessment ………………33 vibration dose value, VDV ……………
20 W
Wd weighting……………………………… 39
Wk weighting……………………………… 39
work patterns ………………………………15 work schedules…………………………….
26
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