WO2013083943A2

WO2013083943A2 - Whole body - hand arm vibration management apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013083943A2
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael James JONES
Original assignee: Curotec Vp Limited
Priority date: 2011-12-06
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2013-06-13
Also published as: WO2013083943A3; GB201120947D0

Abstract

Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management apparatus is provided comprising : a Holster couplable to a tool or mobile machine, the Holster comprising data stored within the Holster with programmable anticipated vibration levels in each axis and a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor couplable to a tool or mobile machine operator, the vibration monitor comprising an interface arranged to receive the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration and a Processor arranged to update a vibration exposure value as a function of the data indicative of the magnitude of tool mobile machine vibration and the duration of tool or mobile machine vibration and to provide a first output signal to an operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds a first exposure threshold.

Description

Whole Body - Hand Ann Vibration Management Apparatus

The invention relates to Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management apparatus intended to monitor the exposure of a tool or mobile machine operator to vibration.

Embodiments of the invention provide reliable, accurate and inexpensive devices which monitor exposure and also provide a management function fox not only Hand Arm

Vibration, but also Whole Body Vibration within one device using a processor programmed to commensurate with relevant Exposure Action Values (EAV) and Exposure Limit Values (ELV) for both Hand Arm Vibration and Whole Body Vibration. The management function operates by warning the operator when exposure time has been reached for a single work shift. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced durability by method of design a single plastic body, resin filled to protect and encapsulate the components within. Current health and safety considerations require that all tool or mobile machine operators who come into contact with machine vibration as part of their daily duties should monitor the duration of that exposure and limit that exposure on a daily basis. Additionally or alternatively it may be a requirement for the exposure to vibration to be monitored and limited over a longer period of time, for instance over a working week incorporating a number of work shifts. Reduced vibration exposure on a first day may allow for greater vibration exposure on a subsequent day or vice versa. A responsibility lies with the employer to facilitate and perhaps oversee that exposure duration management. Various devices have been proposed to achieve that management control. In this specification reference is made to European Union (EU) regulations and standards, but it will be understood that different regulations and standards may be applicable in different jurisdictions and, if imposed by statute, should be substituted for the regulations and standards discussed herein. In jurisdictions in which there are no mandatory regulations and standards, then those discussed in this specification as being mandatory should be interpreted as representing best health and safety practice. Prolonged and repeated exposure to mechanical vibration can create in a tool, machine or mobile machine operator the conditions Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) otherwise known as "White Finger" and/or Whole Body Vibration Syndrome (WBVS). HAVS and WBVS results from the vibration of the tool, machine or mobile machine operator at the point of contact, usually either the operator's hands, the seat or the feet. The transmitted vibration can cause a range of problems such as bone and joint disorders, damage to the nerves and the whitening of the fingers due to a disruption of blood flow. These problems are generally recognised to be associated with HAVS which typically affects tool operators operating pneumatic drills, jackhammers, grinders, rivet guns, chipping hammers amongst others. Operators of mobile machines or other work vehicles operating on rough or uneven surface are exposed to WBV, the transmitted vibration can cause a range of problems such as back pains, displaced or injured discs, spinal injuries and can also affect the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory system. Indeed, unless otherwise specifically indicated, reference to vibration affecting a tool or mobile machine operators finger, hand, arm or body or to HAVS or WBVS should be interpreted generally as referring to tool or mobile machine vibration affecting any part of the tool or mobile operators body.

The human body has the recovery ability and is able to recover from exposure to vibrati on during a period of rest. Over a typical series of 24-hour cycles it is medically inadvisable regularly to exceed a given duration of exposure to vibration in excess of a given value over each 24-hour period.

EU regulations relating to vibration exposure and measuring and evaluating vibration are defined in ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 for HAVS and Part 2 for WBVS. EU regulations relating to vibration exposure and measuring and evaluating vibration are defined in ISO 2631/1997 Part 1 for WBV . Vibration exposure is calculated as a function of the vibration emitted by the tool or mobile machine and the duration of the exposure to the vibration. ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 is based upon a sampling system whereby the vibration of a tool or mobile machine in a particular configuration for particular use is sampled and the tool or mobile machine assigned a Tool Vibration Magnitude rating (hereinafter TVM rating) or is assigned a Mobile Vibration Magnitude rating (hereinafter MVM rating) . ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 require the calculation of vibration exposure based upon the TV or MVM rating of the tool and the duration of tool or mobile machine use. At the time of defining the standard it was not envisaged that the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration could be reliably measured in real time in order to calculate vibration exposure. ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 places a duty upon an employer to measure, for every mobile machine or tool which is to be used by an employee, a TVM or MVM rating Value measured in units of acceleration (m.s-2 ). The measurement of a TVM or MVM rating is discussed in greater detail below. For each working shift, a mobile machine or tool operator will have a defined first vibration exposure threshold which he or she is required not to exceed, and a defined second vibration exposure threshold, somewhat less than the first, above which he or she is expected to monitor carefully the on going exposure to vibration as a means of avoiding exposure to vibration above the first threshold. For a tool or mobile operator or mobile machine operator using a single tool or single mobile machine during a work shift with a single TVM or MVM rating the vibration exposure thresholds equate to a time limit The time limits vary with the TVM or MVM rating, that is the vibration signature of the tool or tools or mobile machine or mobile machines which the operator is using. A single operator using a number of different tools in a single shift (each with its own TVM or MVM rating) must observe advisory and limiting time limits of exposure to vibration which are calculated as the root mean square (r.m.s.) of the advisory and limit exposure time durations of each in turn of those different tools or mobile machines.

In the EU, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations introduced in 2005 require employers to assess the risks from vibration to employees and decide if the levels are likely to exceed a defined daily Exposure Action Value (EAV) or daily Exposure Limit Value (ELV). If the EAV is likely to be exceeded then the employer must take steps to reduce the vibration exposure to as low a level as possible. If above the ELV then the employer must take steps to reduce the vibration exposure to below the ELV. To enable a tool operator or mobile machine operator or their employer to monitor cumulative exposure time easily and in a meaningful manner without continual calculation of the root mean square (r.m.s.) of the advisory and limit exposure time durations of each tool used, a so-called points or percentage system has been devised. It is an approximation to compliance with the appropriate health and safety legislation, but it is deemed an acceptable approximation as it provides a conservative approach to calculation of vibration exposure, which is practical to implement in a work environment. Each tool, machine or mobile machine is calibrated not only with its mandatory TVM or VM rating but with a factor to magnify or diminish the impact of that particular tool, machine or mobile machine on an operator's daily advisory and limiting exposure time durations. Therefore if a first machine, or tool or mobile machine has a stated TVM or MVM rating and a factor of 1 , and a second machine, or tool or mobile machine with a higher vibration has a higher TVM or MVM rating approximately twice that of the first tool, machine or mobile machine and so a factor of 2, then the operator is able simply to add together the number of hours per shift that they have been exposed to the vibration of the first machine, or tool, or mobile machine and twice the number of hours per shift that they have been exposed to the vibration of the second machine, tool or mobile machine. The points system was developed and used for HAVS, currently there is not a points system for WBVS. Furthermore, maximum vibration exposure for a tool operator also takes account of the rest or recovery time between shifts by the use of permitted exposure time scales. The (A)8 scale is a table of permitted exposure times for a range of TVM and MVM ratings assuming an 8- hour working shift with 16-hour recovery breaks between shifts. The (A) 12 scale is more suitable for offshore oil rigs because it assumes a 12-hour shift with 12-hour recovery breaks between shifts. For the (A)8 scale the EAV for hand-arm vibration is a daily exposure of 2.5m. s-2 (that is, an average exposure to emitted tool vibration of 2.5m. s-2 averaged over the 8 hour shift). The tool operator's ELV on the (A)8 scale is 5m.s-2. The evaluation or exposure to whole body vibration is based on the calculation of daily exposure A(8) expressed as either: (i) an equivalent continuous r.m.s acceleration over an eight hour period, or (ii) the vibration does value (VDV). For the A(8) scale the EAV for whole-body vibration is a daily exposure of 0.5m.s-2 (that is, an average exposure to emitted mobile machine vibration of 0.5m.s-2 averaged over the 8 hour shift). The mobile machine operator's ELV on the A(8) scale is 1.15m.s-2. The evaluations use the frequency weighted acceleration, with multiplying factors applied to the fore-and-aft, lateral and vertical axes as in ISO 2631/1997 Part 1 and ISO 5349/2001 Part 2. Exposure values may also be calculated over longer periods of time, for instance through a working week.

Measurement of the TVM or MVM rating for each tool, machine or mobile machine is regulated by ISO 5349/2001 Part 1, Part 2 and ISO 2631/1997 Part 1, which stipulates how to test a particular tool or tool configuration for the hand and arm vibration (HAV) that it causes in use, or a mobile machine configuration for the whole body vibration (WBV) that it causes in use. The phrase "tool configuration" or 'mobile machine configuration' indicates that a particular tool or mobile machine may have a number of different test results depending on how it is configured or used. A drill may have different TVM ratings depending on the drill bit used. An angle grinder may have different TVM ratings depending on the cutting wheel used, and whether it is cutting steel, concrete, soft stone or brick. A mobile machine may have a different MVM rating based on the terrain it is being operated on. EU legislation requires that TVM or MVM ratings are measured for each tool and mobile machine configuration.

The measurement itself is carried out using a multi-axis accelerometer. One such muiti- axis accelerometer is a Hand-Arm Vibration Meter Type 2239B manufactured by Bruel and Kjaer of Denmark. The meter must be physically attached to the tool or machine at the precise location where a user can be expected normally to place each of bis or her hands to use the tool or machine. Normally that requires two locations. The vibration, measured in m.s-2, must then be measured over three runs each of two minutes duration. The TVM or MVM rating is calculated according to a prescribed formula from the highest vibration output per run, averaged over the three runs. If the different hand locations at which the vibration is tested give different results, then the TVM or MVM rating for the tool must be recorded as the higher or highest values measured. It may be difficult for employers , tool and mobile machine operators to comply with legislation prescribing adherence to usage limits of vibratory equipment on a shift-by-shift basis. If it is left to the tool or mobile machine operator to monitor the amount of time he or she spends using a particular tool or mobile machine, then that monitoring is bound to be inaccurate. Some operators may inadvertently exceed the EAV or ELV daily dosage. Others may either accidentally or even deliberately overestimate their exposure time, so that they may report before the end of their shift that they cannot continue with a particular job because to do so would exceed the permitted limits on exposure to vibration. There have therefore been proposed different apparatuses and devices to monitor and manage the operator's daily exposure to vibration.

GB-2411472 (South West Highways Ltd of the United Kingdom) discloses a Hand Arm Vibration monitor to be worn on the wrist of a tool operator. The monitor of GB-2412472 records time, magnitude and frequency information for sensed vibration over a

predetermined period of time (typically over a single shift). The monitor samples the vibration magnitude and frequency at a regular rate, for instance once every ten seconds taking a one second sample. The vibration magnitude and frequency information, together with the time of the sample, is stored within the monitor for later retrieval when the monitor is coupled to a computer. This information is then used to generate a spectrograph on the computer, which in turn is used to calculate the exposure of the tool operator to vibration and determine if that exposure exceeds safe limits. Alternatively, the vibration data may be transmitted wirelessly in real time to the computer to monitor the current exposure of the tool operator. There is however no suggestion that the monitor could directly and independently manage a tool operators vibration exposure to provide the tool operator a warning that there is a risk of the EAV or ELV being exceeded. Furthermore, because the vibration measurement is performed upon the operator's wrist, and not upon the tool itself, it is not possible for the vibration monitor to comply with ISO 5349 which mandates measurement of the tool vibration magnitude based upon measurements performed upon the tool . The Hand Arm Vibration Monitor of GB-2299169 (British Gas Pic of the United Kingdom) is also intended to be worn on the wrist of a tool operator. A vibration-activated transmitter coupled to each tool sends a radio signal to the monitor whenever that tool is in use. The radio signal identifies the tool to the vibration monitor. When the wrist mounted monitor and the transmitter on each tool are in close proximity it is determined that the operator is using that tool. The vibration monitor on the operator's wrist has its own vibration sensor and is arranged to record the cumulative period for which the vibration exceeds a threshold indicating that the user is using the tool (the actual magnitude of the experienced vibrations are not recorded). The vibration monitor is pre-programmed with information regarding known tool vibration emission data for each tool and so is able to calculate the operator's exposure using the time information for the cumulative duration of tool use. The vibration monitor is able to warn when safe exposure limits are reached by providing an audible or visual alarm. There is no suggestion that the vibration monitor could measure the magnitude of the actual vibration emitted by the tool. Furthermore, there is no suggestion that the vibration monitor could take account of different tool configurations in determining the tool operator's vibration exposure.

WO-2007/072068 (Reactec Ltd of the United Kingdom) discloses a Hand Arm vibration monitor that is attached to a tool rather than to the wrist of a user. The monitor is in two parts: a mount affixed to the tool and a personal monitoring component. The personal monitoring component is detachable from the mount and can be carried by an operator from one tool to another for coupling to the mount for each tool to be used by that operator. A vibration sensor detects vibration of the tool. When vibration is detected, the cumulative vibration exposure of the operator is calculated based upon a known vibration emission rating for the tool. The cumulative vibration exposure is recorded for later analysis when the data is downloaded to a computer. Data download may be performed via a wired or a wireless connection between the personal monitoring component and a base controller coupled to the computer. The calculated cumulative vibration exposure may be compared with the operator's EAV and ELV exposure values and the operator may be advised either to be more cautious over their exposure to vibration or cease that class of work altogether for the day. Typically the personal monitoring component when attached to the machine or tool has three highly visible coloured LED display lights. Green indicates that it is safe to continue to use the machine or tool. Amber indicates that the user must be cautious because the period of exposure to vibration for that particular shift is drawing to an end. Red indicates that the user ought to discontinue using the machine or tool because his her daily exposure limit has been reached. Additionally, a three digit display may be provided to display the remaining exposure for that operator before they must stop using the tool.

The vibration sensor contained in the vibration monitor of WO2007/072068 permits the calculation of cumulative vibration exposure, which can be compared with the operators EAV and ELV values. The EAV and ELV data may be pre-recorded on a user ID card, which identifies the user and information relating to the user.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere. In particular, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a vibration management device that can monitor exposure to both Whole Body Vibration and also Hand Arm Vibration within one device and provide a warning to the tool or mobile machine operator when daily Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration exposure limits are approached or exceeded. According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration device comprising a Holster that can be coupled to a tool, machine or mobile machine, the Holster and Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor are designed as plastic bodies, resin filled to encapsulate and protect the components contained within from the potential hazards in the work environment used such as but not limited to construction sites, furthermore the design of the Holster includes a base with cavities allowing for better adhesion to the tool or mobile machine surface when coupled with an appropriate adhesive, the Holster comprising memory for storage of data such as but not limited to anticipated vibration levels in each axis, and tool or mobile machine data including name, serial number etc. The data stored within is reprogrammable. The Holster is passive and does not activate until coupled with a Whole Body - Hand Ann Vibration Monitor. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be arranged to provide a second output signal to an operator if the hand arm or whole body vibration exposure value exceeds a second exposure threshold. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may comprise three LEDs, and wherein the vibration monitor may be arranged to illuminate a first LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is less than the first exposure threshold, to illuminate a second LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is greater than or equal to the first exposure threshold and less than the second exposure threshold, and to illuminate a third LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is greater than or equal to the second exposure threshold.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management Device may further comprise a prograrrmiing interface including a PCB arranged to communicate with the vibration monitor thereby connecting the vibration monitor to a computer, the computer including computer program code arranged to transmit at least a first vibration exposure threshold to the vibration monitor and to receive data indicative of the vibration exposure value from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be further arranged to store data indicative of the time and magnitude of the vibration signal and the computer includes computer program code for storing the time and magnitude data in a management information system.

The vibration management device may comprise two or more Holsters coupled to separate tools or mobile machines, the vibration monitor being arranged to calculate a cumulative vibration exposure value as a function of data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration received from each Holster and a measured duration of tool or mobile machine vibration. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be arranged to pair with a single tool or mobile machine Holster at any time such that the vibration exposure value is updated only in response to data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration received from the paired tool or mobile machine Holster. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring the exposure of a tool or mobile machine operator to tool or mobile machine vibration, the method comprising: coupling a Holster to a tool or mobile machine, the Holster comprising stored data of anticipated vibration levels in each axis; generating at the Holster a vibration signal indicative of the magnitude of vibration of the tool or mobile machine; transmitting data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration from the Holster; and coupling a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor to the tool or mobile machine, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor comprising an interface and a Processor; receiving at the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration from the Holster ; updating a vibration exposure value as a function of the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration and a measured duration of tool or mobile machine vibration; determining if the hand arm or whole body vibration exposure value exceeds a first exposure threshold; and providing a first output signal to the tool or mobile machine operator if the whole body - hand arm vibration exposure value exceeds the first exposure threshold.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor couplable to the Holster, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor being arranged to receive tool or mobile machine identification data stored within the Holster when the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is coupled to the Holster, the tool or mobile machine identification data including a tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor comprising a Whole Body - Hand Ann Vibration sensor arranged to provide a vibration signal indicating whether vibration of the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor exceeds a first magnitude threshold indicating that the tool or mobile machine is in use; wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is arranged to update a vibration exposure value as a function of the tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating received from the Holster and the duration for which the vibration signal exceeds the first magnitude threshold and arranged to provide a first output signal to an operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds a first exposure threshold; and wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor comprises a system whereby when the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is fitted onto the Holster the data may be transmitted between the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor and the Holster.

An advantage of the third aspect of the present invention is that because the tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating is stored within the Holster coupled to the tool or mobile machine, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be moved between multiple tools or mobile machines each provided with a separate Holster storing a different tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor automatically takes account in the change of tool or mobile machine vibration emission in updating the vibration exposure value.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be arranged to provide a second output signal to an operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds a second exposure threshold.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may comprise three LEDs, and the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be arranged to illuminate a first LED

continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is less than the first exposure threshold, to illuminate a second LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is greater than or equal to the first exposure threshold and less than the second exposure threshold, and to illuminate a third LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is greater than or equal to the second exposure threshold.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management Device may further comprise a programming interface arranged to couple to the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor and to communicate with the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor to thereby connect the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor to a computer, the computer including computer program code arranged to transmit at least a first vibration exposure threshold to the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor and to receive data indicative ofthe vibration exposure value from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration

Monitor. The programming interface may be further arranged to couple to the Holster and to communicate with the Holster to thereby connect the Holster to a computer, the computer includes computer program code arranged to transmit the tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating to the Holster. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be further arranged to store data indicative of the time of the vibration signal and the computer includes computer program code for storing the vibration time data in a management information system. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be further arranged to retain data over a pre-programmed period.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management Device may comprise two or more Holsters coupled to separate tools or mobile machines, the Whole Body - Hand Arm

Vibration Monitor being arranged to couple to a single Holster and to update the vibration exposure value as a function of the tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating received from the Holster to which the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is coupled at that time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of managing the exposure of a tool or mobile machine operator to tool or mobile machine vibration, the method comprising: coupling a Holster to a tool or mobile machine, the Holster storing tool or mobile machine identification data including a tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating; coupling a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor to the Holster, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor comprising a vibration sensor to provide a vibration signal; receiving at the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor from the Holster the tool or mobile machine identification data; determining whether the vibration signal exceeds a first magnitude threshold indicating that the tool or mobile machine is in use; updating a vibration exposure value as a function of the tool or mobile machine vibration magnitude rating received from the Holster and the duration for which the vibration signal exceeds the first magnitude threshold; and deterniining if the vibration exposure value exceeds a first exposure threshold; and providing a first output signal to the tool or mobile machine operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds the first exposure threshold; comprises a system whereby when the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is fitted into the Holster the data may be transmitted between the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor and the Holster.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a vibration

management device for monitoring the exposure of a tool operator or mobile machine operator to vibration, comprising: a Holster attachable to or attached to an item which in use experiences vibration that can be transmitted to a tool operator or mobile machine operator, and a detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor which is removable from the Holster and which, when removed from the Holster, can be linked to a computer to preprogram into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor data relating to EAV and ELV data of the tool or mobile rnachine to be used by the operator, and which, when retained by the Holster: senses when the Holster is vibrating due to operation of the tool or mobile machine; times the duration of that vibration on a cumulative basis between successive pre-progranirning operations; displays when the duration of the vibration exceeds that commensurate with the EAV data pre-programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor; and displays when the duration of the vibration exceeds that commensurate with the ELV data pre-programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor.

Embodiments of the present invention may be arranged to determine the exposure of a tool or mobile machine operator using only a single tool, or using multiple tools or mobile machines, during a work shift. For embodiments of the present invention in which a TVM or MVM rating is stored in a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor or in a Holster, a

TVM or MVM rating for the or each tool or mobile machine available to the operator during a work shift is stored within the monitor. A selection mechanism may be provided to determine which rating is to be used at any time.

The detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may incorporate a single axis accelerometer to sense when the Holster is vibrating due to operation of the tool or mobile machine. The detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may incorporate a piezoelectric vibration detector to sense when the Holster is vibrating due to operation of the tool or mobile machine.

The detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may incorporate one or more LEDs to indicate: (a) when the tool or mobile machine has been operated for a total shift duration less than a duration commensurate with the EAV data pre-programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor; (b) when the tool or mobile machine has been operated for a total shift duration more than a duration commensurate with the EAV data pre- programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor but less than a duration commensurate with the ELV data pre-programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor; and (c) when the tool or mobile machine has been operated for a total shift duration more than a duration commensurate with the ELV data pre- programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor.

The detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor may be provided with means for calculating, from the data relating to the EAV and ELV data pre-programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor, advisory and limiting use duration of the combination of tools or machines during a single working shift. The calculation may be based on the root mean square of the individual durations, during the working shift, that the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor has sensed Holster vibration due to operation of the different tools or mobile machines. The calculation may be based on a points or percentage factor assigned to each tool or mobile machine and pre-programmed into the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor along with the data relating to the EAV and ELV data.

Figures 1A and IB respectively illustrate the top and side views of a Holster in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B respectively illustrates the top and side view of a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 respectively illustrates the top view of the Programmer accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a typical computer screen display when the Holster of figures 1 A and IB and the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor of figures 2 A and 2B have the data downloaded.

Certain embodiments of the present invention do not measure the magnitude of the vibration when the tool or mobile machine is in use. Rather, the vibration management device senses when there is vibration consistent with operation of the tool or mobile machine.

Consequently a simpler accelerometer may be used. All that is needed is a single-axis accelerometer or a piezoelectric vibration detector of the kind contemplated in GB- 2299169. The TVM or MVM rating is pre-programmed into the Whole Body - Hand Ann Vibration Monitor device and this data is preferably obtained prior to use of the vibration management device strictly in accordance with ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 and ISO 2631/1997 Part I and stored in a table in computer memory against the tool or mobile machine and the specific tool or mobile machine configuration with which the operator will be working on a particular shift.

Further embodiments of the present invention do measure the actual vibration emission from a tool or mobile machine in real time using a vibration sensor mounted upon or integrated within the tool or mobile machine. Advantageously, the vibration sensor and associated electronics may be integrated into a sufficiently small size to be coupled to or within a tool handle or seat within the mobile machine such that the measure vibration magnitude is the same as the vibration transmitted to the tool or mobile machine operator. ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 and ISO 2631/1997 Part 1 requires the use of predefined

TVM or MVM ratings as at the time of the definition of the standard it was not considered possible to accurately measure the magnitude of tool vibration in real time. For the reasons discussed above, ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 and ISO 2631/1997 Part 1 is flawed in that the TVM or MVM ratings assigned to tools take no account of the significant variations in actual tool vibration. This results in a calculated operator vibration exposure which is either too high or too low. Embodiments of the present invention which measure the real time magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration therefore exceed the requirements of ISO 5349/2001 Part 1 and Part 2 and ISO 2631/1997 Part 1.

Data relating to the TVM or MVM rating for each tool or mobile machine or tool or mobile machine configuration pre-programmed into a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor according to the present invention may be either the raw TVM or MVM ratings or data derived from raw TVM or MVM ratings, such as advisory and limiting usage times based for instance on the (A)8 scale discussed above or the A(12) scale.

If the tool or mobile machine is used for less than the duration commensurate with the operator Exposure Action Value (EAV) value pre-programmed into a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device, then preferably a green LED on the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device may be illuminated. If the cumulative duration exceeds that commensurate with the EAV value pre-programmed into the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device but is less than that commensurate with a Exposure Limit Value (ELV) value pre-programmed into the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device then preferably the green LED is extinguished and an amber LED on the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device is illurninated. If the cumulative duration of use of the tool or mobile machine exceeds that commensurate with the ELV value pre-programmed into the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device then preferably the amber LED is extinguished and a red LED on the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device is illurninated. The operator is thus advised when he ought to be monitoring carefully his continued use of the tool or mobile machine (amber LED illuminated) and when he ought to terminate that use (red LED illurninated). As a power-saving feature the LEDs may self-extinguish when the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor senses no vibration, in other words when the accelerometer or piezoelectric vibration detector is not in Holster. In certain embodiments of the invention the Holster may be attached or attachable directly to the body or housing of the tool or mobile machine, preferably in a highly visible location.

The location does not have to be at all related to the tool or mobile machine handles or parts coming into direct contact with the operator, since the vibration monitor device functions only to sense when the tool or mobile machine is in use and is not used to measure vibration for the purpose of calculating EAV and ELV values. For example, on a plate vibrator for tamping down, levelling and compressing a bed of hard core the Holster may be next to the machine motor or vibration plate which receives the maximum amount of vibration, or it may be somewhere on the machine handles. The vibration signatures of those two parts of the machine are massively different, but that difference is immaterial since the vibration monitor device senses and records only when there is vibration consistent with operation of the machine, and does not measure the magnitude of that vibration.

Desirably, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor device is configured in such a way that the accelerometer or piezoelectric vibration detector senses a vibration signature of the power tool or mobile machine that is consistent with operation of the power tool or mobile machine The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor will not detect vibration unless coupled with Holster.

For a one man/one tool or one man mobile machine working arrangement, any operator identification that is pre-programmed into the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration

Management Device also serves as an identification of the tool or mobile machine that is issued to the operator for that working shift. This is a considerable security feature as, at the end of the working shift, all tools and mobile machines ought to be returned to the central store, where it would be the working practice to remove the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor devices, the contents of which can be read back into the computer to record the data amassed thereon during that working shift (maybe insert - furthermore, data can be downloaded at any time and need not be downloaded daily). The central computer can then keep control of which operators have returned their tools or mobile machines, and more importantly which operators have failed to return their tools or mobile machines. The possibility of loss from site of hand tools is thus reduced, in addition, the central computer is able to keep a record of the cumulative hours of use of each tool or mobile machine, which is particularly useful for organising the servicing of the tools or mobile machines at periodic intervals in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Failings on previous inventions is that the data needs to be downloaded daily, the current invention can be preprogrammed to store data for greater periods allowing for download of data from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitors to be done when convenient.

Referring now to figures 1 A and IB, these illustrate the Holster in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

The Shell 101 contains and protects the other components. The Shell 102 may be resin filled or potted to encapsulate the system and provide internal components with protection against the ambient environment (which in the case of factories and construction sites may be hazardous for electronic components). The Shell 101 is generally formed as a Holster to be attached to tools, machines or mobile machines 105 by either using adhesive or cable ties. The Shell 101 further comprises Cavities 106 on the base allowing for better adhesion to the surface of a tool or mobile machine 105 when coupled with an appropriate adhesive.

The Holster 101 does not have its own power source it receives its power from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 when coupled together. Data stored within the Holster 101 may be stored for instance a memory device 102 or similar.

The Holster 101 is arranged to be coupled to the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 illustrated in figure 2B. When coupled together with the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor the Holster 101 is arranged to provide a signal identifying but not limited to data such as identifying the tool, machine or mobile machine 105 to which the Holster 101 is couple and providing but not limited to the TVM or VM rating for that tool, machine or mobile machine or the anticipated vibration levels in each axis for that tool, machine or mobile machine 105.

The Holster 101 is arranged to be coupled together with a tool, machine or mobile machine 105 using either but not limited to adhesive or cable ties as illustrated in figure IB.

Preferably a suitable adhesive is chosen that is capable of bonding to composite, plastic and metal surfaces. The adhesive should be capable of securing the Holster 101 throughout the expected temperature range within which the tool, machine or mobile machine may be used (such as in a factory or on a construction site), for instance -20°C to +35°C. The Cavities 106 assist in helping the appropriate adhesive used to adhere to the surface of the tool or mobile machine 105. Alternatively, the Holster 101 may be coupled to a tool, machine or mobile machine 105 using cable ties.

Enclosed within the Shell of the Holster 101 is a memory device 10

that is arranged to be pre- programmed with anticipated vibration levels for each axis of whichever tool, machine or mobile machine 105 it is mounted upon. Referring now to figures 2A and 2B, these illustrate the hand arm and whole body monitor in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

The Shell 206 contains and protects the other components. The Shell 206 may be resin filled or potted to encapsulate the system and provide internal components with protection against the ambient environment (which in the case of factories and construction sites may be hazardous for electronic components). The Shell 206 is generally formed as a hand arm and whole boy vibration monitor to be coupled with the Holster 101.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is powered using a battery, when coupled with the Holster 101 it supplies power to the Holster 101 which does not have any power source of its own. When the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is coupled with the Holster 101 it reads data from the Holster including but not limited to identifying the tool, machine or mobile machine 105 to which the Holster 101 is couple and providing but not limited to the TVM or MVM rating for that tool, machine or mobile machine 105 or the anticipated vibration levels in each axis for that tool, machine or mobile machine 105.

Enclosed within the Shell 206 for the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is a vibration detector 202. The vibration detector 202 is arranged to detect vibration of the tool, machine or mobile machine 105 through the Holster 101 and pass a vibration signal to the Processor 201. The vibration detector 202 may be single or multiple axis accelerometer, or any other sensor capable of detecting vibration. The vibration detector 202 provides a vibration signal to the Processor 201 indicating that the tool, machine or mobile machine 105 is vibrating or providing a value indicative of the magnitude of that vibration. In certain embodiments the Processor 201 and the vibration detector 202 may be a single unit.

The Processor 201 is arranged to detect whether the vibration signal from the vibration detector 202 is greater than the first threshold. The first threshold is indicative of a magnitude of tool, machine or mobile machine 105 vibration indicating that the tool, machine or mobile machine 105 is in normal use. As a precise measurement of the vibration of the tool, machine or mobile machine 105 is not required, a simpler and lower cost vibration detector 202 may be used, for instance but not limited to a piezoelectric motion sensor. The first threshold indicative of a vibration magnitude representing normal tool, machine or mobile machine 105 usage may be fixed at 0.5m.s-2 which is considered to be less than the normal operating vibration magnitude of most tools and machines 105, but greater than the vibration likely to be encountered during storage and transit. In alternative embodiments, for instance where the detachable Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is aimed at a particular tool or industry, the first threshold may differ.

The Processor 201 is arranged to calculate the cumulative vibration exposure of the tool or mobile machine operator based upon the TVM or MVM rating received from the mount Holster 101 and the total time for which the vibration detector 202 detects that the tool or mobile machine is in use. Given that the Processor 201 has exact knowledge of the tool

TVM rating or the mobile machine MVM rating calculated accurately in advance, as described in the introductory portion of the present specification, the operator's vibration exposure can be accurately calculated. When the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is transferred between tools or mobile machines, the new tool or mobile machine Holster 101 may be programmed with a higher tool or mobile machine vibration value. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is arranged to calculate a cumulative value for the tool operator's vibration exposure using any tool or mobile machine according to the calculations techniques discussed above.

The cumulative vibration exposure for the tool or mobile machine operator can be compared with the EAV and ELV values stored in the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 during the programming of the device. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 further comprises three LEDs 204. Alternatively, there may or may not be be two LEDs or only a single LED if one or more LED is capable of illuniinating in more than one colour. If the cumulative vibration exposure for the tool or mobile machine operator calculated by the Processor is less than the EAV value stored in the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 then a green LED is illuminated or Memory Devices periodically. If the operator's exposure is between the EAV and the ELV then the amber light is illuminated or Memory Devices periodically. If the operator's exposure is above the ELV then the red light is illuminated or Memory Devices periodically. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be further outputs to the tool or mobile machine operator, for instance an LCD display showing, for instance, the remaining duration of tool or mobile machine use for the current tool before the EAV or ELV for the operator will be exceeded, the current vibration exposure for the operator during that shift or the vibration exposure so far for the tool or mobile machine currently in use. Furthermore, an audible alarm or a vibrating alarm may indicate to the user when the EAV or ELV has been exceeded.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor further comprises a clock 203 that assists and enables the Processor 201 to count time of vibration and allocate points when vibration is detected. The clock 203 may reset points when clock reaches time for resetting if pre- programmed or possibly automatically after 24hrs; the clock 203 may further be able to assist to retain counts over a pre-programmed period.

The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is arranged to store the vibration exposure value and also arranged to store data indicating the time of use of each tool or mobile machine 105 in terms of the associated vibration rating and the duration of use. Normally the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is periodically returned to the Programmer 303 to download the cumulative vibration exposure value and the data indicating the actual vibration experienced. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 retains a record of the cumulative exposure value for each day. This data may be downloaded to a support computer when the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is returned to a Programmer 303(as described below). Referring now to figure 3 there is illustrated a Programmer 303 for downloading data to and from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and the Holster 101 and uploading data from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and the Holster 101. The Programmer 303 includes interfaces allowing for coupling with the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and the Holster 101 for downloading or uploading of data.

The Programmer 303 is arranged to couple the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and Holster 101 to a support computer for programming the EAV and ELV values for the tool or mobile machine operator into the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and the TVM or MVM ratings into the Holster 101. Additionally, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is programmed with data identifying the tool or mobile machine operator to which it is assigned. This information may be useful for tracking patterns of tool or mobile machine usage by particular operators (from the information uploaded to the support computer at the end of a shift identifying the tools or mobile machines used). Tool or mobile machine operator identification information may also help reduce loss and theft of tools or mobile machines as an accurate record is maintained of which tool or mobile machine operators use each tool or mobile machine. Furthermore, tying vibration exposure data to individual tool or mobile machine operators allows a long term record of vibration exposure to be established on the support computer to allow long term trends to be identified and addressed and to provide accurate data in the event of later claim of ill health due to vibration exposure. The Programmer 303 has an interface allowing to be coupled to the support computer and may be powered using a power source. Software operates on the support computer for programming the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and the Holster 101 and for assisting in downloading data from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and Holster 101. Figure 4 illustrates an example screenshot for downloading data from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 and the Holster 101 respectively. Data may or may not include details of tool or mobile machine operators name, employee number as indicated in figure 4 illustrated in box 401, or may include but not limited to fields as illustrated in figure 4 box 402 start and end times of tool or mobile machine usage; trigger time; points; details on location of the tool or mobile machine; manufacturer; model number; and the vibration values. Similarly, for programming the Holster 101 for the user to enter details of the tool name, ED and site reference. The TVM or MVM rating, that is the rating for the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration emissions may either be automatically retrieved by the support computer and the if the tool or mobile machine is known to the system, or else the user may manually select or override the vibration level. The tool or mobile machine vibration level is downloaded to the Holster 101. A report providing information about the cumulative use of the tool or mobile machine(which may be used to identify when a tool or mobile machine requires servicing) can be obtained. Tool or mobile machine usage information is obtainable from the data uploaded to the support computer from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration monitor 206 at the end of each shift. In addition to updating a cumulative value for the tool or mobile machine operator's vibration exposure, during tool or mobile machine use the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 stores data identifying the tool or mobile machine used, the duration and time of tool or mobile machine use and any further data retrieved from the Holster 101, for instance but not limited an indication of the remaining battery life for the Holster 101. Consequently, the total use of each tool or mobile machine by all tool or mobile machine operators can be monitored. The Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor 206 is coupled to a Programmer 303 and the operator vibration exposure data is uploaded to the support computer. Specifically, data regarding the length of time the tool or mobile machine operator operated each tool or mobile machine, and the consequent vibration exposure is downloaded to the support PC.

This information is used for monitoring the long term exposure of a tool or mobile machine operator to vibration. It will be appreciated that the management information system may alternatively be interrogated to provide information relating to other Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitors 206, information relating to the tools or mobile machines used and information relating to longer term patterns of vibration exposure.

Vibration monitors may be individually assigned to tool or mobile machine operators for extended periods of time, for instance upwards of a year. For employers operating multiple sites each tool or mobile machine operator may be required to present their personal vibration monitor upon appearing for work at a work site. The Programmers and support computers at each work site may be networked to allow operator vibration exposure data to be retrieved at each site and data uploaded from each vibration monitor to be uploaded to a centrally controlled management information system to allow tool or mobile machine operators to work at any site while their vibration exposure is monitored in a consistent manner.

Where embodiments of the present invention refer to triggering output signals in the event of a vibration exposure value exceeding an EAV or ELV value, it will be understood that alternatively other vibration exposure thresholds may instead be set.

For each tool or mobile machine the management information system may be used to track which operators have used the tool or mobile machine, the time and date the tool or mobile machine was used and who was the last logged operator to have contact with the tool or mobile machine. This information may be stored over a period of many years to be later accessed and interrogated. The management information system may also be used to generate alerts at the support computer allowing a supervisor to readily identify which operators have reached and\or exceeded EAV ELV values and which vibration monitors and tool mounted vibration sensors are getting to the end of their battery life. The management information system is an integral part of a vibration management system in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention. The management information system provides the ability to control the use of the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitors and vibration sensors. Data relating to the use of tools or mobile machines and the exposure of operators to vibration may be proactively managed in order to identify long terms trends, incidences of overexposure or excessive tool or mobile machine use and to provide a permanent record of events in case the information is required in the future.

Furthermore, the data may be used to monitor working hours.

Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management Devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It will be understood that the appropriate Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management Device chosen will depend upon the application, including the type of tool or mobile machine, the type of industry, and other factors, for instance the cost of each alternative type of device.

It will be readily apparent to the skilled person that there is significant commonality between the various Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management Devices described above, and so where features are described in connection with one embodiment of the present invention it will be readily apparent that those features may be applied to the remaining embodiments of the present invention.

Further applications of, and modifications to, embodiments of the present invention will be readily apparent to the appropriately skilled person without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Management apparatus comprising: a Holster couplable to a tool or mobile machine, the Holster comprising data stored within the Holster with programmable anticipated vibration levels in each axis and a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor couplable to a tool or mobile machine operator, the vibration monitor comprising an interface arranged to receive the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration and a Processor arranged to update a vibration exposure value as a function of the data indicative of the magnitude of tool mobile machine vibration and the duration of tool or mobile machine vibration and to provide a first output signal to an operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds a first exposure threshold.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Holster comprises a single body of plastics material resin filled to encapsulate and protect the internal components and having a base provided with cavities assisting in adhering to the surface of a tool or mobile machine when coupled with a suitable adhesive.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm

Vibration Management Device comprises a single body of plastics material resin filled to encapsulate and protect the internal components.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Device is pre-programmable to monitor either Whole Body Vibration

(WB V) or Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is arranged to provide a second output signal to an operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds a second exposure threshold.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor comprises three LEDs, and wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is arranged to illuminate a first LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is less than the first exposure threshold, to illuminate a second LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is greater than or equal to the first exposure threshold and less than the second exposure threshold, and to illuminate a third LED continuously or intermittently if the vibration exposure value is greater than or equal to the second exposure threshold.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a

programming interface arranged to communicate with the Whole Body - Hand Ann

Vibration Monitor thereby connecting the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor to a computer, the computer including computer program code arranged to transmit at least a first vibration exposure threshold to the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor and to receive data indicative of the vibration exposure value from the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is further arranged to store data indicative of the time and magnitude of the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration and the computer includes computer program code for storing the time and magnitude data in a management information system.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor retains data over a pre programmed period; the data stored being downloadable using an interface to a computer..

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising two or more Holsters coupled to separate tools or mobile machines, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor being arranged to calculate a cumulative vibration exposure value as a function of data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration received from each Holster and the duration of tool or mobile machine vibration received from each Holster.

11. A method of monitoring the exposure of a tool or mobile machine operator to tool or mobile machine vibration, the method comprising: coupling a Holster to a tool or mobile machine, the Holster comprising stored data of anticipated vibration levels in each axis; generating at the Holster a vibration signal indicative of the magnitude of vibration of the tool or mobile machine; transmitting data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration from the Holster; and coupling a Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor to the tool or mobile machine, the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor comprising an interface and a Processor; receiving at the Whole Body - Hand Arm

Vibration Monitor the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration from the Holster; updating a vibration exposure value as a function of the data indicative of the magnitude of tool or mobile machine vibration and a measured duration of tool or mobile machine vibration; determining if the hand arm or whole body vibration exposure value exceeds a first exposure threshold; and providing a first output signal to the tool or mobile machine operator if the whole body - hand arm vibration exposure value exceeds the first exposure threshold.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the Whole Body - Hand Arm Vibration Monitor is arranged to provide a second output signal to an operator if the vibration exposure value exceeds a second exposure threshold.