One of the physical factors causing occupational diseases is vibrations. Vibration is the mechanical oscillatory movement that occurs in the mines, quarries and during the operation of industrial and construction machinery and is felt in the human body. If the machines or equipment used are not well secured or stabilized, vibrations are more likely to occur. These vibrations also cause high noise in the working environment and premature wear of the machines.

Most of the machines used in the industry create vibrations in the hands and fingers and arms of the employees. For example, portable saws used by foresters, polishing and planing machines used in carpentry, pneumatic hammers used in mining, or many power tools used in industry are such features. Some machines create vibrations in the whole body of the employees. For example, weaving looms, road-building machines and heavy-duty machines have this feature.

Physical and psychological disorders such as fatigue, distraction, orthopedic disorders and various disabilities occur in employees exposed to vibrations. This naturally decreases the performance of the work and adversely affects the quality of life.

There are many standards for vibration measurements developed by local and foreign organizations. Here are a few of them:

• TS EN 1032 + A1 Mechanical vibration - Testing of moving machines for determination of vibration emission
• TS 10354 Mining - Air shock and ground vibration measurement
• Mechanical vibration - Measurement and evaluation of hand-held vibration to which persons are exposed - Part 5349: Practical guide for measuring in the workplace TS EN ISO 2-1 / A2
• TS ISO 2631-1 / A1 Mechanical vibration and shock - Assessment of exposure to whole-body vibration - Part 1: General rules
• TS ISO 2631-5 Mechanical vibration and shock - Assessment of exposure to whole-body vibration - Part 5: Method for the assessment of vibration involving multiple shocks

 

Vibration measurements are also performed by authorized laboratories within the scope of indoor measurements.