Six-degree-of-freedom whole-body vibration exposure levels during routine skidder operations

Abstract

This research focuses on quantifying six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure levels that occur in Northern Ontario skidders during routine field operating tasks. 6-DOF vibration running root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration levels at the operator/seat interface were determined for eight skidders while driving loaded, driving unloaded, picking up a load, dropping off a load and ploughing logs under field operating conditions. The acceleration data were weighted in accordance with ISO 2631-1:1997 and evaluated for both health and comfort outcomes. The mean running RMS weighted translational and rotational accelerations all exceeded 0.36 m/s(2) and 0.14 rad/s(2). The greatest average accelerations occurred while driving unloaded with this condition displaying translational vibration total values (VTV) that exceeded the upper limit of the ISO 2631-1:1997 health caution zone within an average of 2.3 h. Utilizing 6-DOF VTV, virtually all operating conditions would be designated as uncomfortable. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: This study provides one of the most comprehensive reports on vibration exposures in seated vehicle operators. The results are geared towards ergonomists with discussions on health effects and measurement concerns, while providing the raw vibration exposure data that will be useful to vehicle, component and vibration sensor designers.

Vibration analysis of the sulky accessory for a commercial walk-behind lawn mower to determine operator comfort and health

“…In seated vehicles such as forklifts, seat suspension type also has a significant impact on WBV exposure (Blood et al 2010). Whole-body vibration assessments on many different machinery types have revealed vibration exposures that exceed ISO standards for health or comfort, such as in all terrain vehicles (Milosavljevic et al 2010), forklifts (Hoy et al 2005), and skidders (Jack et al 2010); however no studies could be found evaluating WBV exposure in machines operated while standing, such as the sulky.…”

Quantification of 6-Degree-of-Freedom Chassis Whole-Body Vibration in Mobile Heavy Vehicles Used in the Steel Making Industry

“…Vehicle tasks coupled with a description of the routes traveled can be found in Table 1. Pot hauler vibration data were further separated into pot banging, driving loaded and unloaded because of the differences in WBV between the tasks as determined by previous studies [21,22]. Each vehicle was selected for the study based on operator complaints of large vibrations, an increased level of workplace injuries, high operator turnover rate as well as vehicle availability.…”

“…To date, WBV data has been collected on locomotives [17,18], garbage [19] and transport trucks [11,20], as well as military [10] forestry [14,[21][22][23] and mining [24] vehicles. However, no 6DOF vibration data has been recorded on mobile machines within the steel making industry.…”

Research Using Virtual Reality: Mobile Machinery Safety in the 21st Century

“…These risks are evident in epidemiological studies that report an increased risk of low back pain, and degenerative changes to the spinal column [6,7]. Certain industries, notably mining, construction, steel making and forestry, involve high levels of vibration [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18], including complex 6 degree of freedom (df) vibration [17,19].…”