RASOR

HAVwear collects two types of assessment data to be viewed online: 

It uses a tools pre-defined vibration magnitude and length of time the tool is in use to calculate exposure points in accordance with The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and HSE guidance. Reactec name this type of exposure points as “Tool Exposure Points” (TEP).

It also determines the vibration transmitted to the tool wearer’s wrist and mathematically corrects for the energy loss between the wrist and the tool grip point. The HAVwear uses this determined  vibration magnitude and the length of time the tool is in use to calculate exposure points relating to real-time vibration exposure experienced by the wearer. Reactec name this type of exposure points as “Sensed Exposure Points” (SEP). 

The purpose of the report was to demonstrate if HAVwear’s SEP data can be used: (1) to inform a suitable and sufficient risk assessment; and (2) in the development of risk reduction control measures for HAVS   

Objective 

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of the proposed consideration for hand transmitted vibration measurement on the human. 

Method

To obtain the temporary threshold shift (TTS) in the fingertip vibrotactile perception threshold, the Vibrotactile perception thresholds were measured before and after the subjects were exposed to hand-transmitted vibration from the hand-held tool. The vibration magnitude has been measured by using conventional vibration measurement on the tool and by using the proposed consideration vibration on the human simultaneously. 

Results

The proposed hand-transmitted vibration measurement on the subject was proportional with increasing TTS. In contrast the data from conventional vibration measurement on the tool shows a relatively constant vibration level while TTS increases within a subject group. 

Conclusion

The proposed measurement method of hand-transmitted vibration on the subject captures at least some of the effects off actors relating to the human interaction with the tool identified within Annex D of the ISO 5349-1 standard. The effectiveness of the proposed hand-transmitted vibration measurement consideration on the human for improved understanding of tool vibration exposure has been shown. 

S. Maeda1, M.D. Taylor2,∗, L.C. Anderson3, J. McLaughlin3 1 Kindai University, Department of Applied Sociology, Faculty of Applied Sociology, 3-4-1, Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan

Edinburgh Napier University, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, 10 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT, UK3 

Reactec Ltd., Vantage Point, 3 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF, UK