1. Assessment of exposure

(a) The assessment of the level of exposure to hand-arm vibration is based on the calculation of the daily exposure value normalised to an eight-hour reference period A(8), expressed as the square root of the sum of the squares (rms) (total value) of the frequency-weighted acceleration values determined on orthogonal axes ahwx, ahwy, ahwz as defined in Chapters 4 and 5 and Annex A to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 5349-1 (2001).

(b) The assessment of the level of exposure may be carried out on the basis of an estimate based on information provided by the manufacturers concerning the level of emission from the work equipment used and based on the observation of specific work practices or on measurement.

2. Measurement

When measurement is employed in accordance with Regulation 136—

(a) the methods used may include sampling, which must be representative of the personal exposure of an employee to the mechanical vibration in question, with the methods and apparatus used adapted to the particular characteristics of the mechanical vibration to be measured, to ambient factors and to the characteristics of the measuring apparatus in accordance with ISO Standard 5349-2(2001), and

(b) in the case of devices which need to be held with both hands—

(i) measurement shall be made on each hand,

(ii) the exposure shall be determined by reference to the higher value of the 2, and

(iii) information for the other hand shall also be given.

3. Interference

Regulation 136 applies, in particular, where the mechanical vibration interferes with the proper handling of controls or reading of indicators.

4. Indirect risks

Regulation 136 applies, in particular, when the mechanical vibration interferes with the stability of structures or the security of joints.

5. Individual protectors

Personal protective equipment against hand-arm vibration may contribute to the programme of measures referred to in Regulation 138.

1. Assessment of exposure

F96[(a) The assessment of the level of exposure to mechanical vibration is based on the calculation of the daily exposure A(8) expressed as equivalent continuous acceleration over an eight-hour period, calculated as the highest (rms) value, determined on three orthogonal axes (1,4awx, 1,4awy, awz for a seated or standing employee), in accordance with Chapters 5, 6 and 7, Annex A and Annex B to ISO Standard 2631-1(1997).]

(b) The assessment of the level of exposure may be carried out on the basis of an estimate based on information provided by the manufacturers concerning the level of emission from the work equipment used and based on observation of specific work practices or on measurement.

(c) In the case of maritime shipping, only vibrations exceeding a frequency of 1 Hz need to be considered.

2. Measurement

When measurement is carried out under Regulation 136, the methods used may include sampling which must be representative of the personal exposure of an employee to the mechanical vibration in question with the methods and apparatus used adapted to the particular characteristics of the mechanical vibration to be measured, to ambient factors and to the characteristics of the measuring apparatus in accordance with ISO Standard 2631-1(1997).

3. Interference

Regulation 136 applies, in particular, where the mechanical vibration interferes with the proper handling of controls or reading of indicators.

4. Indirect risks

Regulation 136 applies, in particular, when the mechanical vibration interferes with the stability of structures or the security of joints.

5. Extension of exposure

Regulation 136 applies where, owing to the nature of the activity, an employee benefits from the use of rest facilities supervised by the employer, on condition that exposure to whole-body vibration in those facilities is reduced to a level compatible with their purpose and conditions of use, except in cases of “force majeure”.