L 177/18
Official Journal of the European Communities
6.7.2002
EN
ANNEX
A. HAND-ARM VIBRATION
Assessment of exposure
1.
The assessment of the level of exposure to hand-arm vibration is based on the calculation of the daily exposure value
normalised to an eight-hour reference period A(8), expressed as the square root of the sum of the squares (rms) (total
value) of the frequency-weighted acceleration values, determined on the orthogonal axes ahwx, ahwy, ahwz as defined in
Chapters 4 and 5 and Annex A to ISO standard 5349-1(2001).
The assessment of the level of exposure may be carried out on the basis of an estimate based on information
provided by the manufacturers concerning the level of emission from the work equipment used, and based on the
observation of specific work practices or on measurement.
Measurement
2.
When measurement is employed in accordance with Article 4(1):
(a) the methods used may include sampling, which must be representative of the personal exposure of a worker to
the mechanical vibration in question; the methods and apparatus used must be adapted to the particular charac-
teristics of the mechanical vibration to be measured, to ambient factors and to the characteristics of the
measuring apparatus, in accordance with ISO standard 5349-2(2001);
(b) in the case of devices which need to be held with both hands, measurements must be made on each hand. The
exposure is determined by reference to the higher value of the two; information for the other hand shall also be
given.
Interference
3.
Article 4(4)(d) will apply, in particular where the mechanical vibration interferes with the proper handling of
controls or reading of indicators.
Indirect risks
4.
Article 4(4)(d) will apply in particular when the mechanical vibration interferes with the stability of structures or the
security of joints.
Individual protectors
5.
Personal protective equipment against hand-arm vibration may contribute to the programme of measures referred to
in Article 5(2).
B. WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION
Assessment of exposure
1.
The assessment of the level of exposure to vibration is based on the calculation of daily exposure A(8) expressed as
equivalent continuous acceleration over an eight-hour period, calculated as the highest (rms) value, or the highest
vibration dose value (VDV) of the frequency-weighted accelerations, determined on three orthogonal axes (1,4awx,
1,4awy, awz for a seated or standing worker) in accordance with Chapters 5, 6 and 7, Annex A and Annex B to ISO
standard 2631-1(1997).
The assessment of the level of exposure may be carried out on the basis of an estimate based on information
provided by the manufacturers concerning the level of emission from the work equipment used, and based on obser-
vation of specific work practices or on measurement.
In the case of maritime shipping, Member States may consider only vibrations of a frequency exceeding 1 Hz.
Measurement
2.
When measurement is employed in accordance with Article 4(1), the methods used may include sampling, which
must be representative of the personal exposure of a worker to the mechanical vibration in question. The methods
used must be adapted to the particular characteristics of the mechanical vibration to be measured, to ambient factors
and to the characteristics of the measuring apparatus.
Interference
3.
Article 4(4)(d) will apply, in particular where the mechanical vibration interferes with the proper handling of
controls or reading of indicators.