Mechanical vibration is a repetitive oscillatory motion of a body part relative to an equilibrium position.
Vibration risks are divided into (art. 199 D.Lgs.81/08):
- Vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system: mechanical vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system that pose health risks, particularly vascular, osteoarticular, neurological, or muscular disorders;
- Vibrations transmitted to the whole body: vibrations that pose health risks, especially lower back pain and spinal injuries.
Daily exposure (art. 200 D.Lgs.81/08):
- The time-weighted average value, adjusted for frequency, of accelerations measured over an eight-hour workday (m/s²);
EXPOSURE AND ACTION LIMIT VALUES (art. 201 D.Lgs.81/08):
- hand-arm system: the daily exposure limit value, normalized to an eight-hour reference period, is set at 5 m/s²; for shorter periods, it is 20 m/s²;
- hand-arm system: the daily action value, normalized over a reference period of eight hours, which triggers action, is set at 2.5 m/s2;
- whole body: the daily exposure limit value, normalized over a reference period of eight hours, is set at 1 m/s2; while over shorter periods it is equal to 1.5 m/s2;
- whole body: the daily action value, normalized over a reference period of eight hours, which triggers action, is set at 0.5 m/s2.
What to do whenever you intend to purchase new equipment that emits vibrations
Whenever you intend to purchase equipment that can be a source of vibrations, it is necessary to inform PREP, Prevention and Protection Service, attaching the technical data sheet of the instrument and indicating the laboratory where the equipment will be used. The Service will conduct a risk assessment through direct measurements with the instrument and possibly:
- study other work methods;
- choose different equipment or provide workers with PPE such as anti-vibration gloves, seats, handles, etc.;
- conduct training and information on specific risks.