Glossary · Hazards and harm
Vibration hazard
In machine safety, a vibration hazard is a hazard arising from hand-arm vibration, transmitted through handles and hand-held tools, or whole-body vibration, transmitted through seats or floors.
- Machine safety
- Technical documentation
- EU
In one sentence
A vibration hazard from hand-held or mobile machinery affects hands, arms or the whole body, so emission values belong in the instructions.
Example
The operating manual of a hand-held grinder states the declared hand-arm vibration value, so that employers can estimate the daily exposure of their workers.
How it applies
- Machine safety: Reduce vibration at the source (balancing, damping, isolation mounts, suspended seats) before limiting exposure time. Worn bearings and unbalanced tools increase vibration, so maintenance affects the hazard.
- EU: The machinery legislation requires information on vibration emission in the instructions for hand-held and hand-guided machinery and for mobile machinery: Directive 2006/42/EC until January 20, 2027, and the Machinery Regulation from that date.
- Technical documentation: Give declared values with the measurement uncertainty and conditions, and state the maintenance interval that keeps vibration at the declared level. See information for use.
- Evidence: Keep measurement reports in the technical file.
Vibration hazard vs. noise hazard
Vibration is transmitted through contact with the machine. A noise hazard is transmitted through the air.