Overview
EN ISO 5349-2:2001/A1:2015 (ISO 5349-2:2001/Amd 1:2015) is the CEN-adopted amendment to Part 2 of ISO 5349, providing practical guidance for measurement of hand-transmitted vibration at the workplace. It complements ISO 5349-1 (general requirements) by describing how to carry out reliable vibration measurement for assessment of human exposure to hand–arm vibration in real work settings. The amendment updates normative references and clarifies measurement location, mounting and instrumentation guidance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement objective: Record representative vibration entering the hand to support evaluation of worker exposure and risk management.
- Frequency range and instrumentation: Measurements cover one‑third‑octave band mid-frequencies from 6.3 Hz to 1 250 Hz; accelerometers must cope with very high peak magnitudes (example: pneumatic tools can generate extremely high accelerations) while still responding accurately in the specified frequency band.
- Accelerometer location: Preferably at the middle of the gripping zone where vibration enters the hand; when not possible, mount on either side of the hand or on the handle underside. For side‑mounted handles, using two accelerometers and averaging is recommended.
- Mounting and coupling: Transducers must be rigidly attached with a mounting system that has a flat frequency response across the measurement band, no structural resonances, and minimal interference with normal operation. Check mountings before and after measurement.
- Resilient coatings: When handles have soft coatings, either remove the material under the transducer, fully compress it during mounting (hose clamp), or use an adaptor held by the operator’s normal grip to better reflect transmitted vibration. Note: poorly selected coatings can amplify certain frequencies.
- Reporting: Document measurement locations, orientations, mounting method and any adaptors used to ensure traceability and comparability.
Practical applications and users
- Occupational hygienists and safety engineers assessing hand‑arm vibration exposure and implementing control measures.
- Test laboratories and vibration analysts performing workplace measurements to support compliance and risk assessments.
- Manufacturers of hand‑held tools and PPE designers validating handle designs and vibration‑reduction measures.
- Health & safety compliance officers and ergonomists using measured data to inform exposure reduction, training and tool selection.
Related standards
- ISO 5349-1 - General requirements for measurement and evaluation of hand‑transmitted vibration.
- ISO 8041 - Instrumentation for human response to vibration.
- ISO 22867, ISO 28927 series - Vibration emission test codes and test methods for hand‑held machinery (measurement locations and laboratory emission testing).
Keywords: mechanical vibration, hand‑transmitted vibration, vibration measurement, workplace vibration, ISO 5349‑2, EN ISO 5349‑2:2001/A1:2015, accelerometer mounting, hand‑arm vibration.
