The purpose of the study was to try to determine a stimulus-response relationship for sinusoidal hand-vibrations rated on Borg's scale. A frequency range of 30-200 Hz, covering commonly used hand-held tools, was studied.The need for perceptual measurements is great, inter alia, in connection with ergonomic analyses of real work situations. The possibility of using sophisticated measuring equipment at the work place is sharply limited. Consequently, the self-rating method may constitute a practical means of assessing the complex vibrational intensities. The subjective perceptual rating takes account of other individual factors that are difficult to measure objectively, e.g. work technique and occupational experience.The study shows that self-rating based on Borg's scale can be used to assess vibrational intensity. The perception of increases in the amplitude of vibrations at a certain frequency is progressive. We find a significant rating pattern with a power function that expresses the stimulus-response relationship.
Upprättat; 1988; 20101204 (andbra)