Abstract
Vibrations that arouse human health concerns are classified into two main categories: (1) hand-arm vibrations (HAV) and (2) whole-body vibrations (WBV). Hand-transmitted vibration from a power or impact tool affects the upper extremities of the body. WBV affects the entire body and is transmitted from a vibrating seat, bed or floor to a person who is in a sitting, Iying or standing position. The EU Directive April 5, 2002 provides exposure limit and action values for both HAV and WBV. These values have taken into consideration recent advances in knowledge and the political judgment of the Member States so are at variance with the present Health and Safety Executive (HSE) values and the ACGIH TLVs. This paper reviews the development of international standards for vibration and the requirements of the EU Directive.