Hand-arm vibration occurs where?

• A. In the entire body
• B. In the feet
• C. In the lungs
• D. A section of the body is exposed to the vibrating source

Answer: (D)

Hand-arm vibration happens when the part of the body that is in direct contact with a vibrating tool or source is exposed to the vibration. In typical work, the hands and arms receive the vibration because they grip and hold the tool, so the exposure is localized to that section of the body. This distinguishes it from whole-body vibration, which affects the entire body from exposure to vibrating surfaces or vehicles. The lungs or feet aren’t the primary contact points for most vibrating tools, and the entire body isn’t affected unless the exposure is of the whole-body type. So the correct idea is that a section of the body is exposed to the vibrating source.