Measurement and Frequency Weighting Functions for Human Vibration

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to review and summarize human vibration measurement process, and necessity and methods of frequency weightings for human vibration. Background: Prolonged human exposure to hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration can result in a range of adverse conditions and the development of occupational diseases such as vibration white finger. For preventing these adverse effects, it is important to correctly apply human vibration measurement process. Method: This manuscript was based on the review and summary of mechanical and human vibration relevant texts,academic papers, materials obtained through web surfing. Results: This manuscript summarizes human vibration measurement process described in ISO standards and relevant texts. The sensitivity of the human body to mechanical vibration is known to be dependent on both the frequency and direction of vibration. To take this into account, varying frequency weighting functions have been developed, and RMS frequency-weighted accelerations are used as the most important quantity to evaluate the effects of vibration on health. ISO provided nine frequency weighting functions in the form of curves and tables. Researches on frequency weightings are focused on development and validation of new frequency weightings to truly reflect the relationship between vibration exposure and its adverse effects. Application: This would be useful information for systematically applying human vibration measurement and analysis process, and for selecting appropriate frequency weighting functions.