Vibration exposure in buildings

Status:

completed 12/1987

Aims:

Vibrations in buildings, often caused by heavy machines, (e. g. presses, forge hammers, jar-ram moulding machines) have an effect on the performance of the employees and may disturb the work of precision machines. The project was initiated by the institution for statutory accident insurance and prevention in the metalworking industry in northern Germany and the institution for statutory accident insurance and prevention in the mechanical engineering and metalworking industry and aimed to develop a suitable measurement procedure for vibrations originating from the building (mainly from the ceilings) and affecting the workplaces. Furthermore an adequate evaluation method was to be tested for the vibration signals recorded on digital or analogue data record at the measurement points to enable further laboratory analysis.

Activities/Methods:

In the development of the measurement and evaluation procedure the Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitssicherheit - BIA was supported by an expert task force from interested German Berufsgenossenschaften. As a result practical tests in numerous industrial plants could be conducted.

Results:

The developed measurement technique enables measurement surveys for risk assessment at workplaces in buildings. The measurement procedure and the obtained know-how were introduced into the current standardization discussion. Meanwhile, the following standards were passed: VDI 2057 "The development of mechanical vibrations on human beings", DIN 45669 "Measurement of harmful effects of vibration", DIN 45671 "Measurement of the mechanical vibrations in the work place" and DIN 45675 " Effects of mechanical vibration on the hand-arm-system". From the measurement results vibration-reducing measures may be derived in individual cases. Equipment testing for the purpose of improved safety and health at work are also possible.

Further informations:

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