RESEARCH PAPER
Influence on operator's health of hand-transmitted vibrations from handlesof a single-axle tractor.
 
More details
Hide details
1
Faculty of Forestry, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. goglia@hrast.sumfak.hr
 
 
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2006;13(1):33-38
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The operators of the single-axle tractors are especially exposed to hand-armtransmitted vibrations. These vibrations can cause the complex of vascular, neurological and musculoskeletaldisorders, collectively named hand-arm vibration syndrome. Among these, the most common disorder is vibration-inducedwhite finger (Raynaud's phenomenon). The vibration levels were measured in three tractor's working conditions,namely idling, transportation and soil tillage. The vibration level on the handles was measured and analysedand the frequency spectra for the chosen working conditions were obtained. The frequency-weighted acceleration,given in m/s2, was calculated and the obtained values are graphically presented. The measured vibrationlevels are then discussed with regard to the operator's daily exposure limits recommended by the ISO5349. The vibration levels were much higher in the x and y directions than the z-direction in all workingconditions. The vibration total values in idling, transportation and soil tillage were 3.37, 8.37 and9.62 m/s2, respectively. Results showed that the 10% of workers are exposed to a risk of vibration-inducedwhite finger disorder of the hands after relatively short periods (3-4 years), if the tractor is used8 hour per day in soil tillage and transportation at full load. Considering the criteria of the ISO 5349,the daily working time with the single-axle tractor should be limited in order to protect the operatorand work schedules should be arranged to include vibration-free periods.
eISSN:1898-2263
ISSN:1232-1966
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top