Vibration Analysis of Motorcycle Handles

Abstract

The exposure of men, or parts of their bodies, to vibration has been the subject of numerous studies for decades and has resulted in better understanding of many parameters governing the human response to vibrations. In particular, regarding the hand-arm system, vibration can cause changes in tendons, muscles, bones and joints and can affect the nervous system to eventually produce the so-called Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Quantification of the parameters affecting the subjective response of different individuals has led to define numerous standards as, for example, the EN ISO 5349-1 and EN ISO 5349-2 regarding the measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibrations. Moreover, the European Directive 2002/44/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements, regarding worker exposure to risks from physical agents (e.g. vibration), limit the exposure to vibrations. The aim of this study is to analyse the exposure level of motorcycle drivers to hand-arm vibration (HAV). For this research, vibration levels of a common 650 cm3 maxi scooter were experimentally measured and the maximum driving time that could be safely used was established.