Whole-body Vibration Measurements Research Articles

An Overview of Occupational Whole-Body and Hand-Arm Vibration

Abstract This article addresses the salient points of recognition, measurement, evaluation, and control of occupational whole-body and hand-arm vibration. These points include vibration acceleration measurements, biodynamic and basicentric coordinate systems, various hand-arm and whole-body vibration standards or guides currently in use in the United States, and methods of controlling workplace vibration.

Measurement and evaluation of whole-body vibration at work

The vibration to which the human body can be exposed while at work is complex. It may be composed of various frequencies, occur in several directions and contact the body at more than one point. The vibration will often vary from moment to moment and may contain shocks. The useful evaluation of vibration with respect to human response requires that the manner in which the responses depend on the frequency, direction duration of the vibration and the occurrence of shocks is adequately taken into account. This paper describes current methods of measuring and evaluating human exposures to whole-body vibration and shock.

The measurement of whole body vibration in the workplace

The measurement of whole body vibration in the workplace

The measurement of whole body vibration in the workplace.

A measurement system was developed to assess the amount of whole body vibration to which workers are exposed during routine operation of machinery in an industrial setting. This system is discussed in terms of plant structural design, production levels, direction and intensity of vibrational forces, measuring equipment, proper measurement technique and field application. Comparison of field data with ANSI and ISO fatigue-decreased proficiency boundaries indicated that small press operators were not at an increased risk for impaired work efficiency. Limitations of the field survey are presented and application of this system to other occupational environments is discussed.

Measurement of whole-body vibration by double-pulsed holography

A technique for registering vibration and deformation patterns has been adapted for the measurement of whole-body vibration in humans. Double-exposure holographic interferometry produces three dimensional pictures of the body, allowing exact measurement of the subject's movement between the two pulses. In this study an interval of 600 μs between the two pulses was used, producing measurements with a resolution of less than 0.3 × 10 −6 m. The subject standing in a fixed posture, was exposed to the laser beams first without vibration and then with vibration. The picture without vibration is needed as certain movements due to life functions of the body such as heartbeat, blood circulation etc are involved therein. This basic pattern should be considered when analysing the pictures with vibration. Different types of vibration in various postures were studied. Tests were also conducted when a reflective coating was applied to the skin. The results show that the method is applicable for measuring whole-body vibration and suggests further tests with more modern laser equipment which is now available. Such equipment can produce pulses with a high repetition rate and of much better quality than those obtained in this study. Once coordinated to the heartbeat and to the working frequency of the vibrating object, a reliable analysis of whole-body vibration can be maintained.