ISO 2631-5-2018 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

ISO 2631-5:2018 — Mechanical vibration and shock — Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration — Part 5: Method for evaluation of vibration containing multiple shocks. This part specifies measurements and analysis methods to assess risks of compression injuries to the lumbar vertebral end-plates of seated persons exposed to repeated mechanical shocks, and distinguishes two exposure regimes (severe and less severe) for assessment and reporting.

Abstract

This document addresses human exposure to multiple mechanical shocks, formulates requirements for measuring such shocks and for analysing the measurements to assess risk to the lumbar spine (vertebral end-plates) for seated individuals due to compressive loading. It applies to unweighted vertical accelerations (seat‑occupant interface beneath the ischial tuberosities) with peak values up to 137.3 m/s2 (14 g) over a 0.01 Hz to 80 Hz measurement bandwidth, and provides procedures for on‑site and retrospective risk assessments.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in systematic review 2023; current).
• Publication date: July 2018 (Edition 2) — corrected version issued January 2022; standard confirmed 2023.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.160 — Vibration and shock with respect to human beings.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2018); corrected January 2022 (text corrections).
• Number of pages: 33.

Scope

Specifies methods for measurement and evaluation of multiple mechanical shocks (different magnitude and shape, occurring frequently at regular or irregular intervals) affecting seated individuals. The procedures produce exposure metrics and risk assessments addressing compressive injury to lumbar vertebral end‑plates; two exposure regimes (severe and less severe) are defined and the method is applicable to unweighted vertical accelerations at the seat‑occupant interface with peak values up to 137.3 m/s2 (14 g) within a 0.01 Hz to 80 Hz measurement bandwidth. Caution is advised when applying the method to severe exposures because peak accelerations approach spinal tolerance limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of multiple mechanical shocks and exposure regimes (severe vs less severe).
• Measurement requirements: location (seat‑occupant interface beneath the ischial tuberosities), measurement bandwidth (0.01 Hz to 80 Hz) and instrumentation guidelines for peak unweighted vertical accelerations (up to 137.3 m/s2 / 14 g).
• Data processing and analysis procedures to derive exposure metrics that relate to compressive loading of the lumbar spine and to support injury‑risk assessment.
• Guidance on combining measured representative exposures with individual exposure histories for assessment of current risk, and on estimating prospective risks from anticipated exposure durations.
• Recommendations for manufacturers of measurement equipment to support on‑site evaluation of exposures and practical application of the method.
• Notes on limits of applicability and safety cautions for severe shock exposures (physiological/biomechanical considerations).

Typical use and users

Used by occupational health and safety professionals, ergonomists, biomechanical researchers, vehicle and equipment designers, vibration measurement instrument manufacturers, and regulatory authorities to assess and manage risk from repeated shocks to seated occupants (e.g., heavy‑equipment operators, military vehicle occupants, off‑road vehicles, certain transportation applications). It supports workplace risk assessment, equipment design evaluation, field measurement campaigns and retrospective health investigations.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 2631 series on evaluation of human exposure to whole‑body vibration. Key related parts include ISO 2631‑1 (general requirements), ISO 2631‑2 (vibration in buildings; 1 Hz to 80 Hz), ISO 2631‑4 (passenger/crew comfort for fixed‑guideway transport), and earlier ISO 2631‑5:2004 (withdrawn, replaced by the 2018 edition). Users commonly apply Part 5 alongside the other 2631 parts when a complete assessment of whole‑body vibration and shock is required.

Keywords

whole‑body vibration, multiple shocks, seat‑occupant interface, lumbar spine, vertebral end‑plates, compression injury, measurement bandwidth, peak acceleration, exposure regimes, occupational vibration assessment, ISO 2631.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 2631‑5:2018 is an international standard that provides methods for measuring and evaluating exposure to repeated mechanical shocks experienced by seated individuals, with the aim of assessing risk of compressive injury to the lumbar spine.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, measurement locations and bandwidth, instrumentation and data processing procedures, exposure metrics and analysis methods to estimate injury risk (especially vertebral end‑plate compression) for shocks up to 137.3 m/s2 (14 g) in the unweighted vertical axis, and distinguishes severe and less severe exposure regimes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Occupational health and safety specialists, ergonomists, biomechanical researchers, vehicle and equipment designers, test laboratories and manufacturers of vibration‑measurement equipment, as well as regulators and consultants performing field exposure assessments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition (Edition 2) is the current published version; a corrected text was issued in January 2022 and the standard was reviewed and confirmed in 2023. It replaced ISO 2631‑5:2004.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 2631‑5 is one part of the ISO 2631 series (Mechanical vibration and shock — Evaluation of human exposure to whole‑body vibration). Other parts (e.g., Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4) address general requirements, vibration in buildings, and passenger/crew comfort respectively and are commonly referenced together.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Whole‑body vibration, multiple shocks, lumbar spine, vertebral end‑plates, seat‑occupant interface, peak acceleration, measurement bandwidth, exposure regimes, occupational assessment.