What is ISO 8041‑2 about?
ISO 8041‑2 is second in the series of documents on instruments for measuring human exposure to vibration. ISO 8041‑2 specifies minimum requirements for personal vibration exposure meters (PVEM).
ISO 8041‑2 applicable to instruments designed for measurements of whole-body vibration in the context of industrial hygiene applications (according to ISO 2631‑1, ISO 2631‑2 and ISO 2631‑4) and/or hand-arm vibration (according to ISO 5349‑1) together with the associated exposure times.
Note: ISO 8041‑2 does not apply to instruments designed to measure or log exposure times without also performing vibration measurement. Instrumentation of this type is described in ISO/TR 19664.
Who is ISO 8041‑2 for?
ISO 8041‑2 on instruments for measuring human exposure to vibration is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of personal vibration exposure meters
- Designers of personal vibration exposure meters
- Product testing and quality assurance
- Maintenance personnel of industrial machines
Why should you use ISO 8041‑2?
Hand-arm vibration is caused by regular exposure to high levels of vibration from handheld tools and equipment. It could also be caused by holding materials in contact with grinding or cutting operations. Vibration hazards transmitted through the hands and arms can cause damage to the nerves, blood supply and soft tissues or joints of the hand, wrist and arm if it is prolonged.
ISO 8041‑2 specifies instruments for measuring human exposure to vibration. These instruments are used for temporary, short time measurements or controlled measurements.
ISO 8041‑2 helps users by specifying minimum requirements for personal vibration exposure meters to overcome the hazards associated with the exposure of high levels of vibration tools and equipment.
ISO 8041‑2 also provides specified design goals and permitted tolerances that define the minimum performance capabilities and functional requirements of instruments designed to measure personal daily vibration exposure. Moreover, the vibration exposure will be such that working activities remain uninterrupted.
Moreover, the timely warning indications, especially regarding overloads, through various types of alarms is useful in eliminating hazardous situations.
Compliance with ISO 8041‑2 can help you achieve accuracy in readings and assessment of PVEMs, thereby efficiently aiding in reduction of health risks to operators of vibrating machines.