Prolonged vibration exposure may lead to serious health risks
Every day all over the world, truck drivers, machinery operators and mining engineers are exposed to mechanical vibrations. Interacting with any kind of vehicle or heavy machinery inevitably causes whole-body vibration (WBV), which is the vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of a worker while operating machinery or standing on vibrating ground.
Vibration risks
WBV is a concern across many industries using heavy machinery, with the mining industry claiming a spot at the top of the list.
Prolonged exposure to vibration may lead to serious potential health risks and other consequences including injury, sick leave and work disruptions, as well as long-term disabilities. These can include nervous system dysfunction, musculoskeletal disorders and joint and ligament problems.
In the mining industry, making contact with significant vibration loads may be unavoidable. However, easily installed inertial sensor technology, available through German inertial sensor specialist ASC Sensors, allows for continuous monitoring of WBV exposure, ensuring that industry norms and medical standards are met and that neither your workforce nor your business suffers.
An accurate and flexible solution
Through its partnership with vibration sensor manufacturer Metra Mess- und Frequenztechnik (MMF), ASC offers the KS963 Seat Pad WBV Accelerometer.
This triaxial IEPE transducer has been specifically designed to measure and analyse whole-body vibration according to ISO 2631, ISO 8041, ISO 10326-1 and ISO 7096. The regular or constant monitoring for real-world WBV exposure helps to evaluate compliance with these regulations, identify potential risks and implement appropriate mitigation and vibration control measures.
The lightweight IEPE accelerometer combines accuracy and reliability with long-term consistency and stability. It features integrated memory for an electronic data sheet (TEDS), streamlining data recording and analysis. Its 100mV/g output and measuring range of +/-60g ensure comprehensive coverage of all vibration measurements.
Equipped with a two-meter cable, the seat pad accelerometer offers ample reach for diverse applications. The sensor is embedded in a flexible rubber cushion to capture those vibrations transmitted to the body. The versatile sensor can be easily removed from the cushion for calibration.
Healthy workforce for healthy business
The simple-to-use ASC KS963 Seat Pad WBV Accelerometer provides a ready, convenient solution for keeping on top of WBV-related challenges in today’s mining workplaces.
The technology’s accurate capturing and long-term monitoring can provide valuable insights into the level of vibration exposure experienced by individuals. Beyond that, it can help to to assess and analyse the root causes of WBV and help manage the risks associated with prolonged vibration exposure.
On that basis, you can take proactive measures to minimise the impact of workplace-related vibrations transmitted to the human body and strengthen the health and well-being of your workforce – as well as that of your business.
For more information, visit: www.asc-sensors.de
