A Chronological Review of the Transmission and Effects of Mechanical Vibrations on the Hand—Arm System in an Occupational Workplace
Source abstract
Abstract
This paper aims to review researchers’ concerns over time (from the 1980s to the present) regarding the transmission of mechanical vibrations in the workplace to the limbs, with a preponderant focus on the hand–arm system and some of the effects over time. These concerns are strictly approached from the point of view of their effects on different races, types of jobs, and forms of tools handled in the workplace. In this regard, when we refer to unwanted vibrations (harmful to a person) in the industrial environment, these are vibrations that can produce harmful effects on an individual’s health, leading to occupational diseases such as white finger syndrome. Some of the terms specific to the studies reviewed, such as vibration perception and biodynamic force, among others, are explained in this paper as needed. Studies in the field have shown that vibrations are transmitted differently when the arm is bent at the elbow joint compared to when it is outstretched; also, the transmission of vibrations is influenced by other factors, such as the temperature of the working environment, the gender and age of the person who is using the vibrating devices, and last but not least, the time of their use and the frequency. The conclusions presented by the specialized literature often refer to existing standards, in particular SR EN ISO 5349/2003. Finally, in this paper, conclusions are drawn regarding how to analyze the transmission of vibrations over time, and some recommendations are given for avoiding or minimizing them, which can be added to the already-existing standards.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Effects of Vibration on Health · Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Structural Engineering and Vibration Analysis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 28 Memorandumului Street, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Faculty of Automotive, Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Department of Automotive Engineering and Transports, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, 28 Memorandumului Street, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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