Vértices (Dec 2018)
Evaluation of occupational exposure to chainsaw vibration: a study on the forest harvesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil
Abstract
From 2007 to 2012, forest activities in Brazil recorded an average incidence of 30 accidents for each group of 1,000. This research aims to demonstrate the intensity of the physical agent “localized vibration”, originated from the use of chainsaw in activities of forest harvesting in an area of development in Espirito Santo (Brazil). The evaluations were performed according to the Occupational Hygiene Standard NHO 10 of the Jorge Duprat and Figueiredo Foundation (Fundacentro) and their results were compared to the Regulatory Standards NR-09 and NR-15 Annex 8, that establish the maximum limits allowed for eight-hour daily exposition. The average vibration exposure was for drive of 2.8 m.s-2 and 4.4 m.s-2 for grip. The highest acceleration for an eight-hour journey was 6.87 m.s-2, above the tolerance limit of 5.0 m.s-2. We propose the adoption of control measures to reduce the risk of vibration, given that the average intensity has exceeded the level of action.
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