So, Vibration exposure through the steering wheel of mobile plant. Should this be measured separately or would the exposure be included in the overall WBV reading. Or, Is vibration, transmitted through the steering wheel, HAV as it is transmitted directly through the hands and arms measured as HAV??? Will be interested to see the responses.

I have experience of undertaking vibration exposure assessments and am familiar with the regs and guidance etc. I am not looking for information on Vibration and its effects etc. I have my own opinion on what the answer to these questions are but it has been a bone of contention in my workplace for a while. There is nothing in the regulations, guidance (that I can find) that defines how vibration exposure from a steering wheel should be measured. I would just be interested to hear the views of others who may be involved in undertaking exposure assessments and as to what their opinions are. I have noted that some of the manufacturers of 'ride - on' equipment give figures for both HAV and WBV.

I would have thought the steering wheel (if vibrating sufficiently, which I would tend to doubt) would act as HAV, not WBV (WBV is measured through the seat). I doubt the manufacturers data (if in existence for this) would be of much use as it will depend on the surface you're operating on and the speed of travel - too many variables given the number of surfaces. You can get a measurement of HAV for virtually any tool or equipment using something like the Castle Ultimus GA2007 Human Vibration Analyser (or similar!). It's a palm held device that measures actual vibration to the hand. (But it's not cheap to hire/buy).