Overview
ISO 5349-2:2001/Amd 1:2015 is an amendment to the international standard focused on mechanical vibration, specifically the measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. This document provides practical guidance for vibration measurement at the workplace, ensuring accurate assessment of vibration exposure risks associated with hand-held machinery and tools. It is part two of the ISO 5349 series, which addresses both general requirements (Part 1) and workplace applications (Part 2).
The standard aims to help occupational health and safety professionals, engineers, and employers implement effective measurement techniques to monitor and reduce hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) exposure, which is critical for preventing conditions such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Key Topics
-
Measurement Techniques
Provides detailed methods for measuring vibration magnitude using accelerometers, emphasizing the need for instruments capable of handling very high vibrations with precision in the frequency range from 6.3 Hz to 1250 Hz. It guides on selecting appropriate devices that maintain accuracy across different vibration intensities.
-
Accelerometer Placement
Guidance on optimal mounting locations for accelerometers near or on the hand where vibration enters the body. The document recommends positioning the sensors close to the middle of the gripping zone but acknowledges practical constraints, suggesting alternate placements such as sides of the hand or on the machine handle.
-
Mounting Methods
Explains the importance of rigid attachment of accelerometers that neither interfere with tool operation nor distort vibration characteristics. It highlights special considerations for surfaces with resilient coatings, recommending proper methods to avoid underestimating or overestimating vibration exposure.
-
Workplace Practicalities
Addresses challenges in real-world measurements including adaptation to different hand grips, machine controls, and operator handling styles. The document offers illustrative examples of measurement points on common hand-held machines like chainsaws, angle grinders, and impact wrenches.
-
Normative References
The amendment updates and expands referenced ISO standards related to vibration measurement, human response, and testing of hand-held tools, ensuring consistency across related assessment methodologies.
Applications
-
Occupational Health Monitoring
Enables health and safety professionals to accurately measure hand-transmitted vibration exposure in various industries such as construction, forestry, manufacturing, and landscaping, facilitating risk assessment and compliance with exposure limits.
-
Vibration Control and Tool Design
Manufacturers and engineers can apply this guidance to improve the design of hand-held machinery by identifying vibration sources and testing vibration mitigation measures, ultimately enhancing ergonomic safety.
-
Regulatory Compliance
Helps employers fulfill legal and workplace regulations related to vibration exposure thresholds, thus protecting workers from vibration-related disorders.
-
Workplace Risk Assessments
Assists safety officers in conducting thorough workplace evaluations by providing standardized, practical measurement techniques, improving reliability and repeatability of data collection.
Related Standards
- ISO 5349-1:2001 - General requirements for measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration.
- ISO 2041 - Vocabulary related to mechanical vibration and condition monitoring.
- ISO 8041 - Standards for human response to vibration measuring instruments.
- ISO 22867 - Test codes for vibration emission of portable forestry and gardening machinery.
- ISO 28927 Series - Test methods for evaluating vibration emission of hand-held portable power tools.
- ISO 5805 - Vocabulary for human exposure to mechanical vibration and shock.
By adhering to ISO 5349-2:2001/Amd 1:2015, organizations can enhance workplace safety through accurate, scientifically validated measurement of vibration, ultimately protecting workers from health risks linked to hand-transmitted vibration exposure.
Open preview (PDF)Mechanical vibration — Measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration — Part 2: Practical guidance for measurement at the workplace — Amendment 1
