Reduction of workers’ hand-arm vibration exposure through optimal machine design: AHP methodology applied to a case study

• Published in: Safety science 2019-12, Vol.120, p.706-727
• Main Authors: Carra, Silvia, Monica, Luigi, Vignali, Giuseppe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AHP multi-criteria analysis; Analytic hierarchy process; Arm; Brush-cutters; Cutters; Emissions; Hand; Hand-held machines; International regulations; Multiple criterion; Occupational exposure; Occupational hazards; Occupational health; Occupational health and safety; Reduction; Studies; Vibration; Vibration analysis; Vibration reduction; Vibrations; Vibratory machines
• ISSN: 0925-7535; 1879-1042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2019.07.034

•Fixed and portable vibratory machines are listed by typology and application sector.•An overview of solutions to reduce vibration risk in such machines is shown.•An AHP-based framework for designing low-vibration hand-held machines is presented.•The proposed framework is applied to a case study of company producing brush-cutters.•The best solution for reducing vibrations is to insert anti-vibration systems. The exposure of workers to mechanical vibrations represents a significant risk in many industrial sectors, due to the widespread presence of vibrating machines, and its assessment and reduction are actually considered a priority in the whole of the European context. The present work has a dual objective: (i) as a preliminary step, to analyse the state of the art in the field of vibratory machines and their design or selection, focusing on hand-arm vibrations; (ii) to propose a new instrument for systematic analysis that may be used by manufacturers of vibratory hand-held machines when choosing optimal technical solutions to minime vibration emissions. A general review of fixed and portable vibratory machines from different productive areas is given initially; existing methods and technical solutions for reducing their emissions at source are consequently detailed, based on International regulations, scientific literature, technical standards and guidelines. A framework based on an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) multi-criteria analysis is then defined and proposed as a possible instrument for choosing anti-vibration solutions while designing hand-held machines. Finally, such procedure is applied to the real case study of an Italian company producing brush-cutters.