Human Body Vibration Measurement
Hand-arm Vibration
Hand-arm vibration is experienced through the hand and arm. Daily exposure to hand-arm vibration over a number of years can cause permanent physical damage, usually resulting in what is commonly known as “white finger syndrome”, or it can damage the joints and muscles of the wrist and/or elbow. The symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) include tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness in the hands and fingers. The increased risk of HAVS can be aggravated by other factors such as exposure to cold temperatures. HAVS is a progressive condition that can lead to permanent loss of function in the hands and fingers. The only effective way to avoid vibration disease is by prevention. SafeNet Africa makes us of a Svantek SV103 Human Vibration Meter and Svantek SV107D transducer to measure hand-arm vibration, which uses the latest microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer technology. The instrument meets ISO 8041:2021 and is the ideal choice for making measurements according to ISO 5349 and European Directive 2002/44/EC.
Whole-body Vibration
The whole-body vibration term is used for motions transmitted to the human body as a whole through the supporting surfaces: the feet of a standing person, the buttocks, back and feet of a seated person or the supporting area of a recumbent person. This type of vibration is found in vehicles, in machinery, in buildings and in the vicinity of working machinery. The most pronounced long-term effect of whole-body vibration is damage to the spine. The spinal region most frequently affected is the lumbar part, where spinal deformation, lumbago and sciatica can develop. The possible cause of spinal damage could be mechanical overload and metabolic changes of the intervertebral disc. Other organ systems, such as peripheral and autonomic nervous, vestibular, vascular, digestive and female reproductive systems are also liable to become affected. SafeNet Africa makes use of a SV100A Whole-Body Vibration Dosimeter, which is a wireless whole-body vibration exposure meter suitable for whole-body measurements in accordance with ISO 2631-1. Suitable for taking measurements both on the seat and seat-back, the device uses the very latest technology and is ease of use.
Our surveyors are fully qualified to conduct these human body vibration measurements. Please give us a call for a quotation.