ADAPTER (R.H.) 3G6305 - Caterpillar

Machine Vibration
Caterpillar machines work in harsh environments. This can decrease operator comfort. You must have a good knowledge of the transmission of vibration in order to control vibration. This will help you reduce the vibration exposure. This knowledge will improve efficiency and productivity. This supplement has been produced by Caterpillar in order to help educate you and your personnel about the concerns related to the directive. This publication will help you and your workers operate the machine safely.Action needed
The member states of the European Union must comply with the "European Physical Agents Directive (vibration) 2002/44/EC".Unlike previous directives on sound levels and emissions, you have an important function because the effective control of vibration exposure is not just a function of the manufacturer's machine.Vibration exposure results primarily from these three factors:
the machine
operator technique
ground conditionsAll three factors are influenced by the operator and the machine.Responsibilities
The directive places the following responsibilities on employers:
assess the levels of vibration exposure.
decide if personnel will be exposed to the limits in the directive.
take steps in order to reduce workers' exposure to vibration.
provide personnel with information and training on proper operation of the machines in order to reduce the risk of exposure to vibration.
keep a record of your risk assessment and control actions.
review your risk assessment and update your risk assessment regularly.Vibration Types
Exposure to vibration at work happens in two main ways:
Whole Body Vibration (WBV)
Hand/Arm Vibration (HAV)HAV levels in earthmoving equipment with an operator are below the legal thresholds. This supplement explains the actions that will reduce WBV.Understanding Vibration and Operator Discomfort
Operators of earthmoving equipment experience vibration during operation. This may result in the discomfort of the operator.Caterpillar equipment works in some of the harshest environments. You can learn about vibration. You can help reduce vibration exposure. This will improve the efficiency and productivity of the operator.The severity of the vibration and the length of time are combined in order to produce the whole body vibration level.The most common causes of high level WBV exposure
using an improper machine for the task
operators use poor techniques, such as driving too fast or operating the machine too aggressively.
the operators are bumped and the operators are shaken.
haul roads or work areas that have potholes, cracks, or rubbleOther problems
poorly designed controls
poor visibility that causes the operator to twist or stretch
incorrect adjustment of the seat that causes the operator to twist, bend, lean and stretch continually
sitting for long periods without a change in position
poor operator posture
repeated manual handling and lifting of loads by the operator
repeatedly climbing into a high cab
jumping from a high cab
poor access to the cab
the operator's level of general physical condition and choice of sports activityYou should consider all these factors when you assess the risk of whole body vibration for your personnel.Industries that expose operators to Whole Body Vibration
construction and rock quarry
tractors, agricultural products, and forestry products
industrial trucks, lift trucks, and straddle carriers
over-the-road truck application, railroad, and busesAssessing Whole Body Vibration Levels
Machine operators will be exposed to vibration. The risk assessment is the first step. Collect the needed