Human Vibration Surveys

Human vibration comprises of two types of vibration as follows:

• Whole Body Vibration

• Hand-Arm Vibration

Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

takes place through the entire body area and the vibrations are generally transmitted through the feet, buttocks or any other part of the body that is contact with the vibrating surface. Some typical sources of whole body vibration may include vehicles or any surfaces which a person is sitting or standing on that is transmitting vibration.

Negative health effects associated with prolonged exposure to WBV are fatigue, insomnia, stomach problems and dizziness.

Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)

Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)

occurs when vibration is transmitted to the hand/arm when working with vibrating tools or machinery. This usually occurs from the use of hand held power tools or from using manually operated controls which may transmit vibration.

Negative health effects associated with prolonged exposure to HAV are hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Symptoms and effects may be in the form of tingling and numbness in the fingers, loss of strength in the hands, fingers blanching and becoming red and painful on recovery.