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Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo
On-line version ISSN 1989-7790Print version ISSN 0465-546X
Abstract
ARIAS-CASTRO, Giovanni de Jesús and MARTINEZ-OROPESA, Ciro. Hand-Arm Vibration Risk Exposure Assessment in Metal-Mechanics Industry. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2016, vol.62, n.245, pp.327-336. ISSN 1989-7790.
The aim of this study was the measurement and evaluation of the accelerations caused by vibrating tools such as sanders, grinders and drills among others and their comparison with the permissible exposure limits as registered in the ISO 5349-2:2002 for hand-arm body segment. The study was conducted in four (4) metal-mechanic industrial centers of the city of Cali, Colombia, who initially imposed a preliminary visit in order not only to select the processes and tools but also to identify those exposed. From a physical and physiological point of view and concerning vibrations, the parameters studied were acceleration, velocity and amplitude. Further factors were considered, such as vector direction, the body segment position in relation with the machine and the level of commitment of both biomechanical and physiological systems of the human being. It was stated that assessments performed on 15 types of vibrating tools did not exceed the permissible exposure limits established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists US (ACGIH 2014) corresponding to 2. 8 m/s2. In Company A, it was established that the highest acceleration level was registered by the DeWalt polisher with a value of 0. 796571 m/s2; in Company B, the same tool presented an acceleration of 0. 6653 m/s2; in Company C; the most significant acceleration was carried out by a Bosch polisher (0. 5857 m/s2) and finally, in Company D with an acceleration of 0. 4048 m/s2, it was the bench grinder. The article provides a summary of the most important concepts related to the hand-arm body segment vibration, as well as the equipment and tools used for their measurement and evaluation.
Keywords : Vibration; acceleration; occupational risks; permissible limits.