Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 1 Vibration

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 2 Types of Vibration Motion Sickness Vibration –Vibrations with high amplitude and low cycle frequency (i.e. < 1 Hz) such as those encountered on a boat at sea, or in a high cab on a slow moving vehicle. Hand-Arm Vibration –Vibration levels with higher frequency levels (i.e Hz) affecting the upper body limbs, such as those transmitted by a chain saw's engine and chain motion, are called Hand-Arm Vibration. Whole-Body Vibration –Vibration levels with a frequency range between 0.5 and 80 Hz, as sensed by the entire body, are known as Whole-Body Vibration. Such vibrations are commonly associated with moving vehicles.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 3 Describing Vibration Frequency of vibration (cycles/second) measured in Hertz (Hz) Intensity of vibration measured in: –Amplitude/displacement (cm or in) –Velocity (cm/s or in/s) –Acceleration (cm/s 2 or in/s 2 ) –Jerk (rate of change of acceleration – cm/s 3 or in/s 3 ) G – force of gravity (32.2 ft/s 2 or 9.81 m/s 2 ) Power Spectral Density (PSD) – the power at discrete frequencies within a selected bandwidth. Root mean square acceleration (RMS) – the total energy across the entire frequency range.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 4 Describing Vibration The Crest Factor is equal to the peak amplitude of a waveform divided by the RMS value. Crest Factor (CF) helps to define the roughness of a particular ride. This is the ratio of the weighted peak acceleration level to its corresponding weighted RMS value.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 5 Describing Vibration Weighted Maximum Peak Acceleration levels provide information on shock loads which would otherwise be lost in the RMS acceleration levels. This is particularly significant with equipment which often encounter obstacles in their pathways, and usually have inadequate suspensions or poor seating.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 6 Resonance Frequency Every object (or mass) has a resonant frequency in somewhat the same sense that a pendulum has a natural frequency. When an object is vibrated at its resonance frequency, it will vibrate at a maximum amplitude which is larger than the amplitude of the original vibration.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 7 Resonance of the Human Body 1.In the human body, individual body members and organs have their own resonant frequencies and do not vibrate as a single mass, with its own natural frequency. 2.This causes amplification or attenuation of input vibrations by certain parts of the body due to their own resonant frequencies. 3.The most effective exciting frequency for vertical vibration lies between 4 and 8 Hz.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 8 Resonance Frequencies 1.Vibrations between 2.5 and 5 Hz generate strong resonance in the vertebra of the neck and lumbar region with amplification of up to 240%. 2.Between 4 and 8 Hz resonance are set up in the trunk with amplification of up to 200%. 3.Vibrations of 25 Hz generate the strongest resonance between the head and shoulders with amplification of up to 350%.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 9 Hand-Arm Vibration Standards (ISO 5349 : 1986 and BS 6842 : 1987) exist that provide guidance on measuring and evaluating hand-arm vibration exposure in three orthogonal axis over the frequency range 5.6 to 1400 Hz. The hand-arm vibration is measured in three orthogonal directions. –z axis corresponds to the percussion axis –y corresponding to the axis of the handle –x corresponding to an axis perpendicular to the palm of the hand

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 10 Biodynamic vs. Basicentric Coordinate Systems Biodynamic and Basicentric coordinate systems for the hand, showing the directions of the acceleration components (ISO 5349 and ANSI S ).

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 11 Whole-Body Vibration The frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 80 Hz is significant in terms of the body's response.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 12 Whole Body Vibration Coordinate System Axes of vibration used to measure exposure to whole-body vibration.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 13 Health Effects of Whole-Body Vibration 1.Lumbar spinal disorders 2.Hemorrhoids 3.Digestive problems 4.Urinary problems

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 14 Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Vibration White Finger (FWF) Traumatic Vasospastic Disease Occupational Raynaud’s Disease

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 15 HAVS Typically, the syndrome begins with sensorineural symptoms – episodes of numbness and tingling precipitated by exposure to cold or damp conditions, or the use of vibrating tools. With ongoing exposure, the vascular symptoms become more apparent. Blanching initially affects the distal parts of the digits but will progress proximally if exposure is not reduced or discontinued.

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 16 HAVS Table 1Stockholm Workshop Scale For Vascular Symptoms in HAVS StageGradeDescription 0-No Attacks 1MildOccasional attacks affecting only the tips of one or more fingers 2ModerateOccasional attacks affecting distal and middle (rarely also proximal) phalanges = 1 finger 3SevereFrequent attacks affecting all phalagnes of most fingers 4Very SevereAs in Stage 3, with trophic skin changes in the fingertips

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 17 HAVS Table 2Stockholm Workshop Scale For Sensorineural Symptoms In HAVS StageDescription 0SNExposed to vibration, but no symptoms 1SNIntermittent numbness, with or without tingling 2SNIntermittent or persistent numbness, reduced sensory perception 3SNIntermittent or persistent numbness, reduced tactile discrimination, and/or manipulative dexterity

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 18 HAVS Stages of Vibration White Finger (Taylor-Pelmear System) StageCondition of FingersWork & Social Interference 00No tingling, numbness or blanching of fingersNo complaints OTIntermittent tinglingNo interference with activities ONIntermittent numbnessNo interference with activities TNIntermittent tingling and numbnessNo interference with activities 1Blanching of a fingertip with or without tingling and/or numbness No interference with activities 2Blanching of one or more fingers beyond tips, usually during winter Possible interference with activities outside work, no interference at work 3Extensive blanching of fingers; frequent episodes in both summer and winter Definite interference at work, at home, and with social activities; restriction of hobbies 4Extensive blanching of most fingers; frequent episodes in both summer and winter Occupation usually changed because of severity of signs and symptoms

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 19 The Reduction of Vibration 1.Tools should be regularly maintained to keep vibration to a minimum 2.Workers using vibrating hand-held tools should wear multiple layers of warm gloves and should wear anti-vibration gloves whenever possible. 3.A worker using a vibrating hand-held tool should let the tool do the work by grasping it as lightly as possible. 4.The tool should be operated only when necessary and at the minimum speed (and impact force) to reduce vibration exposure. 5.Dampen at the source of the vibration

Ergo-Online Academy Copyright 2007 Ergo-Online, LLC 20 Vibration Standards ISO ANSI EU