Vibration

Question 1

What is vibration?

Answer 1

Vibration is the mechanical oscillation or repetitive motion of an object around an equilibrium point that results in vibration energy or pressure waves.

Question 2

What factors should be considered when measuring the risk of vibration?

Answer 2

1. The individuals health.
2. Intensity and frequency of the vibration.
3. The duration of exposure.
4. Parts of the body that receive the vibrating energy.

Question 3

What are the two general types of vibration within the workplace?

Answer 3

1. Hand-Arm Vibration

2. Whole-Body Vibration

Question 4

What is Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVS)?

Answer 4

Vibration exposure that is transferred to the hand and arm during the use of handheld power tools and hand-guided equipment such as jackhammers, grinders, impact drills, and riveters.

Question 5

What is Whole-Body Vibration (WBV)?

Answer 5

Vibration exposure that is experienced by drivers, operators, or passengers in vehicles and machines, primarily as a result of vehicle resistance forces and activity, engine vibration, or road and surface conditions.

Question 6

How is Whole-Body Vibration transmitted?

Answer 6

Transmitted by the surface where the work is performed.

Question 7

What characteristics of a tool intensifies Hand-Arm Vibration?

Answer 7

1. Speed of Vibration.
2. Poor Maintenance
3. Total Weight
4. Lack of Handle Insulation
5. Increased Skin Contact

Question 8

What characteristics of a worker intensifies Hand-Arm Vibration?

Answer 8

1. Having a Tight Grip
2. Awkward Positions & Postures
3. Incorrect Tool Use
4. Prior Injuries or Poor Health

Question 9

What are the symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration?

Answer 9

1. Tingling or loss of sensation in fingers.
2. Reduced muscle strength
3. Pain in general
4. Decreased grip strength
5. Bone cysts in fingers and wrists
6. Decreased touch sensitivity
7. Increased sensitivity to cold

Question 10

Are symptoms of HAVs acute or chronic?

Answer 10

Prolonged. Effects of HAVs are gradual, so it may take months or years for symptoms to become noticeable.

Question 11

What are some chronic health effects on HAVs?

Answer 11

1. Damage to muscles, tendons, bones, and joints.
2. Nervous system problems.
3. Raynaud’s Syndrome (White Finger)
4. Disrupted circulation to the hands and arms.

Question 12

What are 5 control measures for eliminating or minimizing HAVs?

Answer 12

1. Substitution of processes and methods to eliminate the need for vibrating handheld tools.
2. Selecting tools with a low vibration and acceleration.
3. Properly maintaining tools.
4. Modifying existing tools to prevent vibration from moving on to the tools handle.
5. Worker training on proper tool use.

Question 13

What are the three main sources of Whole Body Vibration?

Answer 13

1. Engine vibration
2. Road and surface conditions
3. Machine and vehicle design

Question 14

Long term exposure to WBV can result in what physical conditions?

Answer 14

1. Lower back, neck, and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Spinal degeneration
3. Chronic back pain
4. Herniated discs

Question 15

Risks of WBV further worsen:

Answer 15

1. Cardiovascular
2. Respiratory
3. Neurological
4. Endocrine
5. Metabolic Changes
6. Vision and balance impairment
7. Fatigue

Question 16

What are some contributing factors of WBV?

Answer 16

1. Posture
2. Body Size
3. Muscle Tone
4. Physical Workload
5. Age
6. Pre-existing disorders
7. Muscle force

Question 17

What are some design features that minimize WBV exposures?

Answer 17

1. Good seat suspension and maintenance.
2. Age and condition of vehicles or machinery.
3. Improved suspension systems.
4. Cab layout, design, and orientation.

Question 18

Control measures for WBV exposures encountered by workers in plants and facilities are accomplished by:

Answer 18

1. Using anti-fatigue mats for workers who stand for prolonged periods of time.
2. Frequent work-rest regimens.
3. Installation of vibration dampening devices.
4. Proper maintenance measures for machines with high vibration emission.