This book explains, in concise chapters, the diversity and complexity of what is known concerning human responses to vibration. The book covers both whole body vibration and hand-transmitted vibration and contains pictorial models of the relevant variables, as well as experimental data and epidemiological studies. The study of human vibration incorporates psychology, mathematics, physiology, engineering, medicine, and statistics, and the Handbook of Human Vibration is written to assist both students of the subject and those addressing practical problems. The text does not depend on an advanced knowledge of mathematics or a familiarity with the jargon from the various disciplines, and is accessible to all persons interested in human vibration, including medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, scientists, trade union officials and administrators.

Vibration and Human Responses. An Introduction to Whole-Body Vibration. Vibration Discomfort. Activity Interference Caused By Vibration. Whole-Body Vibration and Health. Perception of Whole-Body Vibration and the Assessment of Vibration in Buildings. Motion Sickness. Whole-Body Biodynamics. Seating Dynamics. Whole-Body Vibration Standards. Methods of Measuring and Evaluating Whole-Body Vibration Exposures. An Introduction to Hand-Transmitted Vibration. Vascular Disorders Associated with Hand-Transmitted Vibration. Non-Vascular Disorders Associated with Hand-Transmitted Vibration. Dose-Effect Relationship for Hand-Transmitted Vibration. Hand-Transmitted Vibration Standards. Limits and Compensation. Measurement and Evaluation of Hand-Transmitted Vibration Exposures. Preventative Actions for Hand-Transmitted Vibration. Appendix 1: Units, Multipliers, Symbols and Abbreviations. Appendix 2: Frequencies and Spectra. Appendix 3: Vibration Levels: The Use of Decibels. Appendix 4: National and International Standards. Appendix 5: Whole-Body Vibration and Health--Field Studies. Appendix 6: Examples of Vibration-Induced White Finger from the Use of Percussive Metal-Working Tools. Appendix 7: Examples of Vibration-Induced White Finger from the Use of Grinding and Other Rotary Tools. Appendix 8: Examples of Vibration-Induced White Finger from the Use of Pneumatic Hammers and Drills Such as Used in Mining Work. Appendix 9: Examples of Vibration-Induced White Finger from the Use of Chain Saws. Appendix 10: Examples of Bone and Joint Disorders in Users of Vibrating Tools. References. Glossary. Index.

Subject Areas: Acoustic & sound engineering [TTA], Dynamics & vibration [TGMD4], Wave mechanics [vibration & acoustics PHDS], Environmental factors [MBNH2], Physiological & neuro-psychology, biopsychology [JMM], Cognitive science [GTR]