Vibration

VIBRATION ASSESSMENT

Vibration testing is not normally monitored on a routine basis but rather, captured during a site-wide survey of plant, equipment and activities. On commencement of the site or at the inception of vibration characterisation, one of our OHMS occupational hygienists will obtain registers of assets such as:

heavy mobile equipment
compressors and generators
fixed plant; and
hand tools

This information can then be used for a desktop review of or as a guide for the testing of plant and equipment that are likely to exceed guidance values. Acceleration is the measure of vibration and the method of monitoring depends upon whether hand/arm or whole body vibration is being tested.

WHOLE BODY VIBRATION

Whole body vibration often results from the use of heavy or light mobile equipment, however it could result from moving floors or platforms in plants.

The normal guidance value referred to, normalised to an 8 hour work day for whole body vibration is A8=0.5 m/s².
Monitoring results are used to provide maximum operating times to ensure the normalised value of 1.5 m/s² is not exceeded.

HAND/ARM

Hand/arm vibration generally results from the use of electric handtools such as compactors, rattle guns, jackhammers etc.

The normal guidance value referred to, normalised to an 8 hour work day, for hand-arm vibration is A8=5 m/s².
Monitoring results are used to provide maximum operating times to ensure the normalised value of 5 m/s² is not exceeded.

PEOPLE, PROCESS, SAFETY

OHMS Hygiene is a consultancy service that aims to assist our clients in achieving industry best practice to advance their safety culture. OHMS Hygiene replaces good luck with great science and provides stakeholders with best practice tools and metrics to improve the health and welfare of workers, visitors and the community. Our team understands your business and that consultation and communication with all stakeholders is key to achieving your health and safety goals.