This document describes a coupling-force-dependent weighting of the r.m.s. value to the frequency-weighted acceleration, a_hw.

The procedure only applies to normal gripping situations (embracing a handle). If only part surfaces of the hand are exposed to vibration, the procedure is not applicable.

The evaluation methods defined in this document are intended to enable research.

This document provides guidance on an additional procedure to that defined in ISO 5349-1 for measuring and reporting hand-transmitted vibration exposures by taking into account the coupling force exerted on the vibrating surface.

This document is intended to facilitate future research on hand-arm vibration risks and to complement data collected using the ISO 5349-1 methodology.

This document does not apply as an alternative to ISO 5349-1. The data derived from this document does not apply to perform tasks in accordance with national regulations, guidelines or recommendations for workplace vibration or machinery vibration emissions. This document does not apply to the legal obligations related to the protection of workers from hand-arm vibration in the workplace and the declaration of vibration emissions from machinery.

The methodology defined in this document is based only on biomechanical relationships between vibration transmission to the hand-arm system as a function of total forces. The influence of contact force and pressure on the surface of the hand remains unconsidered and requires further research.