Whole body vibration limits in the world

Abstract

This article carried out a technical analysis of the limits and methodologies adopted for assessing occupational vibration of the whole body in 58 countries. The article also discusses the methodologies and justifications adopted in Brazil to assess the whole-body vibration that differs from most countries. Vibration is a risk factor for health in occupational environments if it occurs completely, that is, it is transferred to the entire body. Due to various health effects, currently 29% countries have legal limits for whole body vibration. Almost all countries adopt the ISO 2631-1 methodologies and procedures, but do not necessarily adopt the values ​​of the health guidance guide adopted in 1997. The values ​​adopted worldwide 67% are above the upper limit of the caution zone for the Root mean square (RMS) method that is used by 100% of countries, while additional VDV method is adopted by less than 11%. The acceleration of the worst axis to assess the wealthy to health as determined by the ISO standard is adopted by 96.6% of the countries. Brazil adopts the resulting methodology, which is the quadratic sum of the three axes, but no evidence was found to support such a choice. It is concluded that Brazil should revise the limits currently adopted, which are more restrictive, but it does not constitute greater protection, since the effects of vibration depend on multiple factors, which include, for example, ergonomic factors of labor activity.