scope:

The aim of this guideline is to provide general instructions on determining the exposure resulting from hand-arm vibration and to supply a standardized procedure for assessing this vibration exposure. On the basis of the physical data of the vibration measurements (and taking the frequency-dependent effect into consideration) the root-mean-square value ahw of the frequency-weighted acceleration is formed as a variable characterizing vibration exposure.

This guideline will not provide any limit values for the acceptability or admissibility of vibration exposures. However, Section 7 and Annex D do include guideline values and some information for assessing the exposure to hand-arm vibration with respect to the expected effects on the individual.

Two different assessment methods are described:

• If the frequency-weighted vibratory acceleration and the daily exposure duration T are known, it is possible to form an estimate of the possible occurrence of a general health risk. This is a precondition of preventive measures aimed at preventing and limiting the health risk.
• Estimation of vibration exposure extending over years and which can result in chronic damage is carried out on the basis of a vibration exposure representative of a working day and the total duration of this exposure.

In order to provide the reader with a complete introduction to assessing exposure to hand-arm vibration over a period of years, the criteria for estimating the risk of circulatory and nervous function disturbances (VVS) in DIN EN ISO 5349-1 have been included in the present VDI Guideline and in addition a suggested method of assessing the risk of osteo-articular diseases occurring is also presented.

Note: The present guideline is not intended to be used for determining characteristic values for the vibrational emissions of vibrating hand tools. The corresponding rules for the emission measurements prescribed by the Machinery Directive may be found in the standard series DIN EN ISO 8662 and DIN EN 50 144, and elsewhere.