Whole body vibration exposures of roller compactors: Characteristics and effect of waste rubber in damping the vibration

Whole body vibration (WBV) exposures of twelve roller compactor operators were measured to investigate the characteristics of WBV vibration transmitted to roller compactor operators and to assess their level of exposure to WBV. All the subjects were in the seated position and vibration transmission at the interface between the operator and seat was measured. Operators showed a dominant WBV transmission in vertical direction. Eight-hour exposure (A (8)) and vibration dose value (VDV) were used to assess operators' exposure to WBV. 75% of operators were found with high or moderate potential of health risk defined in health guidance caution zone (HGCZ) specified in ISO 2631-1:1997. A rubber mat produced with waste rubber sludge was used to investigate the effect of damping vibration transmitted to operator. Rubber mat damped the WBV transmission in all three directions; 18% in vertical, 5% in lateral and 2% in fore and aft direction.