CEN/TR 15350:2013

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2014
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SIST-TP CEN/TR 15350:2007
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Mechanical vibration - Guideline for the assessment of exposure to hand-transmitted
vibration using available information including that provided by manufacturers of
machinery
Mechanische Schwingungen - Anleitung zur Beurteilung der Belastung durch Hand-Arm-
Schwingungen aus Angaben zu den benutzten Maschinen einschließlich Angaben von
den Maschinenherstellern
Vibrations mécaniques - Guide pour l'évaluation de l'exposition aux vibrations transmises
à la main à partir de l'information disponible, y compris l'information fournie par les
fabricants de machines
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 15350:2013
ICS:
13.160 Vpliv vibracij in udarcev na Vibration and shock with
ljudi respect to human beings
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 15350
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
August 2013
ICS 13.160 Supersedes CEN/TR 15350:2006
English Version
Mechanical vibration - Guideline for the assessment of exposure
to hand-transmitted vibration using available information
including that provided by manufacturers of machinery
Vibrations mécaniques - Guide pour l'évaluation de Mechanische Schwingungen - Anleitung zur Beurteilung der
l'exposition aux vibrations transmises à la main à partir de Belastung durch Hand-Arm-Schwingungen aus Angaben zu
l'information disponible, y compris l'information fournie par den benutzten Maschinen einschließlich Angaben von den
les fabricants de machines Maschinenherstellern

This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 8 June 2013. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 231.

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Kingdom.
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EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2013 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 15350:2013: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Estimation of the vibration magnitude . 7
5 Estimation of the daily exposure duration . 11
6 Consideration of uncertainties . 11
7 Estimation and assessment of the vibration exposure . 12
8 Documentation . 17
Annex A (informative) Guidance on the information which users could expect from machinery
manufacturers and suppliers . 18
Annex B (informative) Principle of the procedure for the estimation of the daily vibration
exposure using manufacturers' declared emission values . 20
Annex C (informative) Simplified method for a quick estimate of machine equivalent acceleration . 21
Annex D (informative) Use of manufacturer’s declared values or other values measured
according to current vibration test codes . 23
Annex E (informative) Estimation of the daily vibration exposure for electric machines . 25
Annex F (informative) Estimation of the daily vibration exposure for pneumatic machines . 34
Annex G (informative) Estimation of the daily vibration exposure for machines with internal
combustion engine . 39
Annex H (informative) Estimation of the daily vibration exposure for hydraulic machines . 45
Bibliography. 50

Foreword
This document (CEN/TR 15350:2013) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 231 “Mechanical
vibration and shock”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TR 15350:2006.
The main technical changes compared to CEN/TR 15350:2006 are the following ones:
 an annex on a simplified method for a quick estimate of machine equivalent acceleration has been added;
 an annex on estimation of the daily vibration exposure for hydraulic machines has been added;
 lists of machines in the annexes have been expanded and further vibration emission test codes have
been considered.
Introduction
This Technical Report provides information on how to assess the vibration exposure from hand-held power
tools and hand-guided machines. The methods described use existing vibration emission values declared for
the machine of interest or information coming from other sources. It should be noted that vibration usually
varies a lot over time, with different workstations and different operators. It is therefore not possible to get
precise exposure figures from limited investigations. But also the declared values need to be used with great
care since they are measured for a limited number of defined work situations. The actual work situation for a
specific operator, however, may be very different thus creating different vibration. On the other hand values
from real work that can be found in literature are only correct for the specific work situation and time when
they were measured. The user of this Technical Report should be aware that the exposure to vibration does
not only depend on the machine used but also to a large extent on things like quality of inserted tools, the
work situation and operator behaviour. These factors need to be taken into account to make an ideal
assessment of vibration exposure.
The daily vibration exposure to be assessed depends on both the average magnitude of vibration at the
surface in contact with the hand and the total daily duration for which an employee is in contact with that
vibration.
As there is a big difference between a rough estimation of the daily vibration exposure to identify workers at
risk and the definition of the state of the art regarding machine vibration emission, vibration total values
calculated by applying correction factors are not suitable to determine the state of the art for machine
categories. To define the state of the art a high level of accuracy is needed, which means that this can only be
obtained by measurements in all three axes.
1 Scope
This Technical Report gives guidelines for estimating, assessing and documenting the daily vibration
exposure due to the use of hand-held power tools and hand-guided machines, according to the requirements
of the European Physical Agents Directive (vibration) 2002/44/EC. This Technical Report is addressed to
competent services for the assessment of vibration exposure at the workplace and to national authorities and
industrial organisations. It helps to establish documentation for specific machinery or work situations and can
also be useful for employers.
It follows the method of EN ISO 5349-1 and EN ISO 5349-2 but instead of measuring the vibration magnitudes
at the specific workplaces, the methods in this Technical Report use existing vibration values from other
sources of information including those provided by the manufacturers of the machinery according to the
requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It is important that the vibration values used in the
exposure assessment are representative of those in the specific use of the machinery. Workplace
measurements, however, are required if suitable data are not available to represent the vibration under the
specific working conditions or if the calculation results do not help to decide whether or not the vibration
exposure limit value or exposure action value is likely to be exceeded.
This Technical Report gives guidance on how to estimate the exposure duration and the daily vibration
exposure A(8) as defined in EN ISO 5349-1. It also offers a simple method for estimating the daily vibration
exposure by means of a table which indicates the vibration exposure as a function of the equivalent vibration
total value and the associated exposure duration. Both methods can be used even in cases of multiple
exposures on the same day.
Annex A gives guidance for manufacturers and suppliers of machinery concerning information that warns of
risks from vibration, which should be reported to the customer.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 5349-1, Mechanical vibration — Measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted
vibration — Part 1: General requirements (ISO 5349-1)
EN ISO 5349-2:2001, Mechanical vibration — Measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-
transmitted vibration — Part 2: Practical guidance for measurement at the workplace (ISO 5349-2:2001)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 5349-2:2001 and the following
apply.
3.1
user time
daily duration of the work involving the use of the machinery, i.e. including the interruptions required by the
work and the break periods directly related to the use
Note 1 to entry: This is more likely to be reported by the operator than the exposure duration (see 3.2).
3.2
exposure duration
T
total duration the hand is in direct contact with the vibrating surface (handle, work piece, etc.)
Note 1 to entry: The exposure duration is often confused with the user time when estimating the daily exposure
duration T (see Example in 7.2.2).
EXAMPLE The user time for mounting wheels on five automobiles is estimated by the operator at 1 h per day; but
the exposure duration is just 5 cars x 4 lug nuts x 4 wheels x 2 loosening/tightening actions x 4 s which yields T = 0,18 h.
The exposure proportion (see 3.3) is only 18 %.
3.3
exposure proportion
exposure duration expressed as percentage of the user time
Note 1 to entry: The exposure proportion varies depending on the machinery and its use. It can be determined in time
studies. Some indication is given in G.2.
3.4
equivalent vibration total value
a
hv,eq
time-averaged sum of the vibration total values of the various machinery operating modes, a , during their
hvi
associated exposure durations T:
i
m
a = a T (1)
hv,eq ∑ hvi i
T
i=1
Note 1 to entry: For the vibration total value a , see EN ISO 5349-1. The total exposure duration T for a machine is
hv
the sum of all m individual exposure durations T within the entire work cycle considered (see Table G.1 and Example in
i
7.2.2). If there is one operating mode only, then a = a .
hv,eq hv
3.5
partial vibration exposure points
P
E
index describing the vibration exposure from a single machine or work task during the associated exposure
duration:
 a 
T
hv,eq
 
P = ×100 (2)
E
 2
8 h
2,5 m/s
 
with the equivalent vibration total value a and the associated exposure duration T
hv,eq
Note 1 to entry: Vibration exposure points are a simple alternative to the A(8) value for describing a person's partial or
total daily vibration exposure. The relationship is:
2,5 m/s
A(8)= P (3)
E
This relationship is plotted in Figure 1.
3.6
total vibration exposure points
P
E tot
sum of the partial vibration exposure points P within one day:
E
n
P = P (4)
Etot ∑ Ei
i=1
where
n is the number of partial vibration exposures considered
Note 1 to entry: A score of 100 points for the total vibration exposure in a day is equal to the exposure action value of
2 2
A(8) = 2,5 m/s and a score of 400 points is equal to the exposure limit value of A(8) = 5 m/s (see Note 1 to entry in 3.5
and Figure 1).
Key
P vibration exposure points
E
A(8) daily vibration exposure in m/s
Figure 1 — Relationship between the vibration exposure points P and
E
the daily vibration exposure A(8)
4 Estimation of the vibration magnitude
4.1 General
The vibration magnitude is expressed as a frequency-weighted root-mean-square acceleration value in metres
per second squared (m/s ) as defined in EN ISO 5349-1.
The vibration magnitude for a particular machine can be highly variable. For example, operators, different
operating conditions and different inserted tools all influence the actual magnitude. The magnitude also often
varies over time. It is usually difficult or impossible to obtain a precise value or narrow value range, so an
indication of the average value is all that can be expected. For exposure estimation, it is usually necessary to
take into account the fact that values are obtained within a range of uncertainty (see Clause 6).
4.2 Sources of information
Vibration magnitudes may be measured at the workplace by the employer, or on his behalf. However, this can
be expensive and difficult and it is not always necessary. An important source of information is the
manufacturer or supplier of the machinery. Annex A lists the information employers can expect from
manufacturers and suppliers to help them identify and manage vibration risks. In most cases at present,
especially for older machines, only the declared value in accordance with essential requirement 2.2.1.1 of the
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC is available. However, only in the case the vibration test code used for the
determination of the declared vibration emission value is named, a rough estimation of the equivalent vibration
total value can be possible (see Annex D).
There are other sources of information on vibration magnitudes, which are often sufficient to roughly estimate
the daily vibration exposure of workers and help to decide whether the exposure action value or the exposure
limit value is likely to be exceeded.
Some employers are making vibration measurement data available to others in the same industry (often
through trade associations); sharing information in this way can be cost effective for companies using similar
machinery for similar work. Other sources of vibration data include specialist vibration consultants, employers'
organisations (trade associations) and government bodies. Data can also be found in various technical or
scientific publications and on the internet. If data from one of these sources are used, the quality and accuracy
of the data should be checked, e.g. by comparing data from two or more sources; comparing data from
several sources is generally recommended. It should be tried to find a value (or range of values) which
represents the likely vibration magnitude for the particular machine and operating conditions.
4.3 Manufacturers' declared vibration emission values
4.3.1 General
In the absence of information on vibration in practical use of the machinery, a rough estimation of the vibration
total value can be obtained, in a limited number of cases, from the declared vibration emission value, using
Table E.1, F.1, G.3 or H.1. This estimated value should be used only where the information in Annexes E to H
shows it is likely to be representative of the specific use of the machinery. Where this is not possible,
measurement of the vibration, in accordance with EN ISO 5349-1, will be required for the specific use of the
machine.
The principle of the procedure for the estimation of the daily vibration exposure based on existing vibration
values is outlined in Annex B. This method can be used only if all of the following conditions are met:
 declared vibration emission values(s) for the machine, and the test code used, are given, e.g. by the
manufacturer;
 actual operating conditions of the machine are similar to those for which declared values are provided
(detailed information is given in Tables E.1, F.1, G.3 and H.1);
 machine is in good condition and is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
 inserted tools or attachments are similar to those used for the determination of the vibration emission
values.
4.3.2 Vibration test codes
The vibration values given by manufacturers in their instruction handbooks or other publications (declared
vibration emission values) are determined under standardised measuring and operating conditions which are
defined in the appropriate vibration test code for the family of machines. Following the first publication, in 2005,
of EN ISO 20643, the vibration test codes developed should use three axes and give values representative of
the upper quartile of vibration total values produced by the machines in their intended use. However, some
vibration test codes pre-date EN ISO 20643 and do not meet these new requirements.
Since still some vibration test codes pre-date EN ISO 20643 and do not represent the way machines perform
in practical use, the vibration magnitudes at the workplace can be higher or lower than those obtained in this
type of laboratory test. This means that the manufacturer's declared vibration emission value may not be
representative of the real use of the machine.
EXAMPLE 1 Vibration is not measured at the handle/grip position producing the greatest vibration emission (e.g.
current needle scaler and chipping hammer test codes where vibration is measured at the rear handle but vibration is
often greater at the front hand position).
EXAMPLE 2 Vibration is measured only in one direction, whereas three-axes values should be used for the evaluation
of exposure (some older test codes).
EXAMPLE 3 Specified direction of measurement is not always the axis of highest magnitude (some older test codes
specifying one measurement direction only).
EXAMPLE 4 Specified real or simulated machinery operating mode generates magnitudes below those likely to be
found in normal use.
Many European vibration test codes are currently under review and the revised standards should, in future,
yield vibration emission values which provide a more accurate and realistic guide to likely vibration emissions
during the intended use of the machine.
If the declared vibration emission value is not representative of the vibration likely in the intended use of the
machine, machine manufacturers and suppliers should provide additional information which may include more
appropriate information on likely vibration magnitudes in practical use (see Annex A).
However, only if the vibration test code used for the determination of the declared vibration emission value is
named, a rough estimation of the vibration total value can be performed using Table E.1, F.1, G.3 or H.1.
4.3.3 Interpreting manufacturers' declared vibration emission values
4.3.3.1 General
If the machine manufacturer or supplier is unable to confirm that the declared vibration emission value (and
uncertainty K) represent the vibration in the intended use, and does not provide additional information, then
the employer may need to seek information from other sources or make measurements at the workplace in
order to assess the exposure of his employees (see 4.2 and 4.4).
Manufacturers will usually not publish vibration emission values if they are below 2,5 m/s but in this case they
2 2
shall state that it is less than 2,5 m/s . In this case the value of 2,5 m/s shall be used and the correction
factors given in the annexes should be used.
Also when vibration emission values below 2,5 m/s are given and reference is made to emission standards
that pre-date EN ISO 20643 it is recommended to use 2,5 m/s for exposure assessment instead of the
declared value given.
In the following, influences of various parameters and conditions are discussed. The consequences
emanating from some of these influences are described in Annexes E to H.
4.3.3.2 Influence of machine operating conditions
Vibration test codes should specify operating conditions for the machine while the vibration emission is
measured. The operating conditions given in most test codes were developed to be reproducible, and in some
cases this has resulted in artificial operating conditions. For example, grinders are tested while free-running
(not grinding) and fitted with an aluminium test wheel of known unbalance; chipping hammers and breakers
are operated against an artificial loading device. EN ISO 20643 states that operating conditions based on a
typical real working situation are preferred to artificial conditions, and that the operating conditions should be
selected to represent the highest vibration likely to occur in typical and normal use of the machine. However,
in some vibration test codes that pre-dated EN ISO 20643 the operating conditions can produce vibration
emission values which do not give a good representation of typical use of the machine.
In some cases, such as machines powered by internal combustion engines, vibration emission measurements
according to (mostly newer) vibration test codes are made separately for different modes of operation (e.g.
idling, racing and cutting for a chain saw) and the equivalent vibration total value a (see 3.4) is calculated
hv,eq
from several a values using standardised assumptions regarding the proportions of the exposure duration for
hv
each operating mode (see, e.g., Table G.2). If necessary, a can be recalculated using proportions more
hv,eq
representative of the work being assessed.
Tables E.1, F.1, G.3 and H.1 contain current vibration test codes and list categories for the operating modes
as specified in these standards. The tables give some indications of how the operating mode of the vibration
test code influences the declared vibration emission value and how this compares with likely vibration
magnitudes in real use.
Table G.2 shows how, for some types of machines, a typical work cycle is composed of several operating
modes.
In some cases it may be possible to obtain a more realistic vibration emission value than that measured using
the vibration test code by applying a correction. It is not always important (or possible) to be accurate or
precise when doing this. For example, if the daily exposure, calculated using manufacturer's emission value,
is just below the exposure limit value, and the test code is thought likely to produce low values, it is
reasonable to conclude that the limit value is likely to be exceeded and that preventive action is required.
4.3.3.3 Influence of vibration measurement direction and location
Vibration of most surfaces in contact with the hand (such as machine handles) is rarely in one direction only.
Therefore, according to the Directive 2002/44/EC and EN ISO 5349-1, vibration is measured in three separate
directions (x-, y- and z-axes) at right angles to one another. The three measured values are combined to give
a single magnitude, the vibration total value a (see EN ISO 5349-1).
hv
However, if according to a (mostly older) vibration test code only the vibration magnitude measured in one
direction is available the vibration total value a can be estimated by applying a correction factor. For many
hv
typical hand-held electric or pneumatic machines, the a value is suitable (with an appropriate value for
hv
exposure duration, see Clause 5) for estimating the daily vibration exposure if the conditions in 4.3.1 are met.
The vibration emission values obtained using several – particularly older – test codes are based on
measurements made in a single specified direction, at a single specified measurement location. In some
cases, it is also difficult to conduct vibration measurements along all three axes. In cases where a value has
been measured in the dominant vibration axis, a , the vibration total value a can be estimated with the aid
hw hv
of a correction factor:
a = c a (5)
hv hw
The correction factor c falls within the range 1,0 to 1,7 and for an individual machine can fall anywhere in this
range. For percussive machines, a correction factor of 1,2 is typical if the machine is not equipped with an
anti-vibration system, and for pure rotary and reciprocating machines a correction factor of about 1,4 is typical.
The correction factors given in Tables E.1, F.1, G.3 and H.1 for individual families of machinery include
appropriate values for this correction factor.
Some current test codes require vibration to be measured at a location which is not the hand position of
greatest vibration exposure (e.g., the rear handle of a chipping hammer or needle scaler is not usually the
hand position of greatest vibration). In these cases it is difficult to estimate the magnitude of vibration to which
the operator is exposed to both hands by using the declared emission value. However, the knowledge that the
true magnitude in real use is greater than the declared value can be sufficient to assess the risk in some
cases, such as when demonstrating that the exposure limit value is exceeded.
4.3.3.4 Influence of age and condition of the machine
The manufacturer's declared vibration emission values are determined using new or almost new machines.
Irregular or poor maintenance of machines can lead to substantial changes in the vibration emissions,
depending on the type of machine in question. Current knowledge of the influence of the aging process is
quite poor, particularly for some machines with anti-vibration systems.
Employers should ensure that machines are maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. The vibration emission (according to the vibration test code) is then likely to be in the range
indicated by the manufacturer.
4.3.3.5 Influence of anti-vibration systems and resilient grips
Some test codes specify a steady-state operating condition and have been developed before modern designs
of machinery with vibration reduction features (e.g. breakers with isolating handles or grinders with anti-
vibration systems). The emission values obtained with the vibration test code can deviate greatly from the
vibration magnitudes measured under real operating conditions.
Constantly changing conditions in practical use, such as frequent shut-off and power-on processes, can limit
the effectiveness of the vibration reducing features like resiliently mounted handles on rotary machines.
Changing the feed force in real conditions can limit the effectiveness of suspended handles of breakers,
particularly if the operator has not been trained to use the machine as the manufacturer intended. Thus, test
code operating conditions can produce vibration values which are lower than those found in real use.
4.3.3.6 Influence of inserted tools
In most work situations the properties of the inserted tools have great influence on the vibration emission.
Most vibration test codes therefore precisely define the properties of the inserted tools used for the test. In
some cases artificial inserted tools (e.g. an unbalanced disc on a grinder) are used. When the inserted tools
used in the real work situation are different from those defined in the vibration test code the vibration values
may be considerably higher or lower. The machine manufacturer or supplier may have additional information
on the vibration emission with different inserted tools. To control the vibration in a real work situation it can be
important to choose good quality inserted tools that are suitable for the machine.
4.4 Making vibration measurements
There may be situations in which the vibration exposures cannot adequately be estimated. It may then be
necessary to make measurements at the workplace.
EXAMPLE 1 A vibrating machine is used for an unusual purpose, of which the manufacturer has limited previous
experience and so cannot provide vibration information.
EXAMPLE 2 It may not be clear, from the limited information available, whether the exposure action value or the
exposure limit value is likely to be exceeded.
EXAMPLE 3 Employer may wish to check the effectiveness of actions taken to control vibration exposure.
Further information and practical guidance on exposure evaluation and vibration measurement at the
workplace is given in EN ISO 5349-2.
5 Estimation of the daily exposure duration
The daily exposure duration for each relevant machine or process should be determined. This should
generally be done directly by observing the work (see EN ISO 5349-2:2001, 5.5). Alternatively, this can be
done with reduced accuracy by multiplying the user time (e.g., that estimated by the operator) by an
appropriate exposure proportion.
It should be recognised that for most machines the vibration exposure duration is shorter than the user time,
i.e. that the exposure proportion is lower than 100 % (see Examples in 3.2, 7.2.2 and E.3).
In some special cases it may be possible to estimate the daily exposure duration using generic exposure
durations obtained from time studies (see E.3 and G.2.2).
6 Consideration of uncertainties
The uncertainty of the overall evaluation of the exposure depends on the uncertainty of the established
vibration value and its ability to represent the actual vibration total value. It also depends on the uncertainty of
the exposure duration as estimated.
The uncertainty of the declared vibration emission value from the manufacturer is given as a K value
estimated in accordance with EN 12096. The uncertainty of the vibration value in real use is normally much
greater.
The uncertainty of the vibration value has more influence on the uncertainty of the daily vibration exposure
than that of the exposure duration because the vibration exposure is proportional to the vibration value and to
the square root of the exposure duration.
7 Estimation and assessment of the vibration exposure
7.1 General
The daily vibration exposure depends on two key elements:
a) average magnitude of vibration at the surface in contact with the hand and
b) total daily duration for which an employee is in contact with that vibration.
The daily vibration exposure is determined from vibration magnitude and exposure duration values obtained
using the procedures in Clauses 4 and 5. The principle of the procedure for the estimation of the daily
vibration exposure based on existing vibration values is outlined in Annex B. Estimation and assessment can
be performed either using A(8) values or more easily using vibration exposure points P .
E
7.2 Using the daily vibration exposure A(8)
7.2.1 General procedure
The daily vibration exposure A(8) can be calculated by using the equivalent vibration total value a and the
hv,eq
daily exposure duration T for the specific machine and work task as follows:
T
A(8)= a (6)
hv,eq
T
where
T = 8 h.
If the work of the day consists of usage of n machines with the individual equivalent vibration total value a
hv,eq i
and exposure duration T for the i-th machine, calculate the partial vibration exposure for each machine, A(8),
i i
according to Formula (6) and combine the A(8) values as follows:
i
n
A(8) = (8) (7)
A
∑ i
i=1
This procedure is described in EN ISO 5349-1 and further guidance is given in EN ISO 5349-2. An example of
the use of this procedure is shown in 7.2.2.
NOTE When a machine is used under several different working conditions with known vibration values, it can be
regarded as several machines each with its own vibration magnitude and exposure duration.
The daily vibration exposure is assessed by comparison with the exposure action value of A(8) = 2,5 m/s and
the exposure limit value of A(8) = 5 m/s in order to establish the necessary action by the employer according
to the Physical Agents Directive 2002/44/EC (see Table 2). The daily exposure values have a high level of
uncertainty. If the estimated value is close to the exposure action value or the exposure limit value it is better
to assume that the value is likely to be exceeded and employers should take necessary actions.
7.2.2 Example: Combined application of a mower and a brush cutter
NOTE This example also shows how to estimate the vibration total value from measured/established single-axis
values.
The daily use of a hand-guided mower is 4 h. The work-related breaks are included in this user time (see 3.1),
by this the effective exposure duration is only 3 h. Assuming that the vibration magnitude is not changing
significantly over time, the measurement of the vibration needs not to be conducted over the entire exposure
duration. The average vibration a , a and a is determined out of three single measurements
hw1x hw1y hw1z
during a short time interval (measurement duration approximately 1 min), they can be considered as
representative for the entire duration of the vibration exposure, T = 3 h.
After the mowing work task a brush cutter is used for T = 1,5 h. Within this time period, the hands of the
operator are in touch with the running brush cutter, so the user time is equal to the exposure duration. The
exposure duration T consists of T = 0,75 h for idling and T = 0,75 h for racing and cutting.
2 2,Id 2,Ra
The established vibration values are:
2 2
a = 2 m/s
a = 1,5 m/s a = 1,8 m/s
Mower
hw1y
hw1x hw1z
2 2
a = 3,5 m/s a = 1,5 m/s a = 4 m/s
Brush cutter, idling
hw2y,Id
hw2x,Id hw2z,Id
2 2 2
a = 1,7 m/s
a = 2,8 m/s a = 3,5 m/s
Brush cutter, racing
hw2x,Ra hw2y,Ra hw2z,Ra
The vibration total values are:
2 2 2 2
Mower
a = a +a +a = 3,1 m/s
hv1 hw1x hw1y hw1z
2 2 2 2
Brush cutter, idling
a = a +a +a = 5,5 m/s
hv2,Id
hw2x,Id hw2y,Id hw2z,Id
2 2 2
Brush cutter, racing a = a +a +a = 4,8 m/s
hv2,Ra
hw2x,Ra hw2y,Ra hw2z,Ra
For the mower, the work task consists of one operating mode only with the exposure duration T = 3 h; so the
equivalent vibration total value for this machine is (normally a is the vibration emission value declared by the
hv
manufacturer in accordance with EN 12733):
a = a
hv,eq1 hv1
The partial vibration exposure for the mower is according to Formula (6):
T
A (8) = a = 1,9 m/s
1 hv,eq1
T
For the brush cutter, the work task consists of two operating modes with the exposure duration
T = T + T = 0,75 h + 0,75 h = 1,5 h; so the equivalent vibration total value for this machine is according
2 2,Id 2,Ra
to 3.4 (normally a is the vibration emission value declared by the manufacturer in accordance with
hv,eq
EN ISO 22867):
2 2
a = (a T + a T ) = 5,2 m/s
hv,eq2 2,Id 2,Ra
hv2,Id hv2,Ra
T
The partial vibration exposure for the brush cutter is:
T
A (8) = a = 2,3 m/s
2 hv,eq2
T
The daily vibration exposure A(8) is according to Formula (7):
2 2
A(8) = A (8)+ A (8) = 3 m/s
1 2
Conclusion: Since the vibration exposure action value of A(8) = 2,5 m/s is exceeded, measures for reduction
of the vibration risk are necessary. Implement a programme of measures to reduce exposure and risks to a
minimum. Ensure health surveillance is provided for exposed workers.
7.3 Using vibration exposure points P
E
7.3.1 General procedure
This procedure allows a simple estimation of the vibration exposure by using the equivalent vibration total
value a for the specific machine (see Clause 4) and the associated exposure duration T (see Clause 5).
hv,eq
The corresponding vibration exposure points P can be read directly from Table 1 or calculated using
E
Formula (2).
In cases of multiple exposures (i.e. the use of two or more machines or processes in one day) the total
vibration exposure points P can be determined by simple summation of all n partial vibration exposure
E tot
points P for each exposure i considered (see 3.6).
E i
Table 1 — Determination of vibration exposure points from the equivalent vibration total value and
the associated exposure duration
Equivalent
Exposure duration T
vibration total
0,1 h 0,2 h 0,5 h 1 h 2 h 3 h 4 h 5 h 6 h 8 h
value a
hv,eq
6 min 12 min 30 min 60 min 120 min 180 min 240 min 300 min 360 min 480 min
m/s
2,5 1 3 6 13 25 38 50 63 75 100
3 2 4 9 18 36 54 72 90 108 144
3,5 2 5 12 25 49 74 98 123 147 196
4 3 6 16 32 64 96 128 160 192 256
4,5 4 8 20 41 81 122 162 203 243 324
5 5 10 25 50 100 150 200 250 300 400
5,5 6 12 30 61 121 182 242 303 363 484
6 7 14 36 72 144 216 288 360 432 576
6,5 8 17 42 85 169 254 338 423 507 676
7 10 20 49 98 196 294 392 490 588 784
7,5 11 23 56 113 225 338 450 563 675 900
8 13 26 64 128 256 384 512 640 768 1 024
8,5 14 29 72 145 289 434 578 723 867 1 156
9 16 32 81 162 324 486 648 810 972 1 296
9,5 18 36 90 181 361 542 722 903 1 083 1 444
10 20 40 100 200 400 600 800 1 000 1 200 1 600
10,5 22 44 110 221 441 662 882 1 103 1 323 1 764
11 24 48 121 242 484 726 968 1 210 1 452 1 936
11,5 26 53 132 265 529 794 1 058 1 323 1 587 2 116
12 29 58 144 288 576 864 1 152 1 440 1 728 2 304
12,5 31 63 156 313 625 938 1 250 1 563 1 875 2 500
13 34 68 169 338 676 1 014 1 352 1 690 2 028 2 704
13,5 36 73 182 365 729 1 094 1 458 1 823 2 187 2 916
14 39 78 196 392 784 1 176 1 568 1 960 2 352 3 136
14,5 42 84 210 421 841 1 262 1 682 2 103 2 523 3 364
15 45 90 225 450 900 1 350 1 800 2 250 2 700 3 600
15,5 48 96 240 481 961 1 442 1 922 2 403 2 883 3 844
16 51 102 256 512 1 024 1 536 2 048 2 560 3 072 4 096
16,5 54 109 272 545 1 089 1 634 2 178 2 723 3 267 4 356
17 58 116 289 578 1 156 1 734 2 312 2 890 3 468 4 624
17,5 61 123 306 613 1 225 1 838 2 450 3 063 3 675 4 900
18 65 130 324 648 1 296 1 944 2 592 3 240 3 888 5 184
18,5 68 137 342 685 1 369 2 054 2 738 3 423 4 107 5 476
19 72 144 361 722 1 444 2 166 2 888 3 610 4 332 5 776
19,5 76 152 380 761 1 521 2 282 3 042 3 803 4 563 6 084
20 80 160 400 800 1 600 2 400 3 200 4 000 4 800 6 400

For the assessment, the total vibration exposure points are allocated to the corresponding exposure range
(see Table 2) which implies further action by the employer according to the Physical Agents Directive
2002/44/EC as appropriate.
Examples of using the vibration exposure points are given in Annexes E to H.
Table 2 — Actions required by the employer at different levels of vibration exposure
according to EU Directive 2002/44/EC
Total vibration Daily vibration Vibration exposure Action required by the employer
exposure exposure A(8) range
points P
E tot
P ≤ 100 A(8) ≤ 2,5 m/s The exposure action Take reasonable action to reduce risks from
E tot
value not exceeded vibration exposure to a minimum. Provide worker
information and training on vibration.
100 < P ≤ 400 2,5 m/s < A(8) Above the exposure Implement a programme of measures to reduce
E tot
action value, but the exposure and risks to a minimum. Ensure health
≤ 5 m/s
exposure limit value surveillance is provided for exposed workers.
not exceeded
400 < P 5 m/s < A(8) Above the exposure Take immediate action to bring exposure below the
E tot
limit value exposure limit value.
NOTE Regarding the values 100 and 400, see Note 1 to entry in 3.6.

7.3.2 Examples
7.3.2.1 General
When using several machines on the same working day, the total vibration exposure points P can be
E tot
determined by summation of the vibration exposure points of the individual machines. Estimate the equivalent
vibration total value a and the associated exposure duration T for each machine, read from Table 1 the
hv,eq
vibration exposure points P and calculate the sum of these points. Then compare the sum with the values in
E
Table 2 and take further action as appropriate.
7.3.2.2 Example 1
Four different machines are used on a single day:
a T P from Table 1
hv,eq E
Machine 1 10,0 m/s 0,1 h 20
Machine 2 8,0 m/s 0,2 h 26
Machine 3 6,0 m/s 0,2 h 14
Machine 4 5,0 m/s 0,5 h 25
Total vibration exposure points P 85
E tot
Conclusion: Since the daily total vibration exposure points clearly do not exceed 100, the vibration exposure
action value is not exceeded. However, take reasonable action to reduce risks from vibration exposure to a
minimum. Provide worker information and training on vibration.
7.3.2.3 Example 2
Four different machines are used on a single day:
a T P from Table 1
hv,eq E
Machine 1 6,0 m/s 0,1 h 7
Machine 2 8,0 m/s 0,2 h 26
Machine 3 3,5 m/s 1 h 25
Machine 4 13,0 m/s 0,5 h 169
Total vibration exposure points P 227
E tot
Conclusion: Since the daily total vibration exposure points are above 100 but do not exceed 400, only the
vibration exposure action value is exceeded. Measures for reduction of the vibration risk are necessary.
Implement a programme of measures to reduce exposure and risks to a minimum. Ensure health surveillance
is provided for exposed workers.
7.3.2.4 Example 3
Three different machines are used on a single day:
a T P from Table 1
hv,eq E
Machine 1 12,0 m/s 1 h 288
Machine 2 8,0 m/s 2 h 256
Machine 3 11,0 m/s 0,5 h 121
Total vibration exposure points P 665
E tot
Conclusion: Since the daily total vibration exposure points are above 400, the vibration exposure limit value is
ex
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