Vibration risks on lawn care equipment like lawn mowers
9th January 2018—Many people are not aware of the risks that vibration can cause to hands and fingers. Shocks caused by rough terrain can cause severe back problems. Exposure to whole-body vibration and hand/arm vibration may cause the widespread recognized industrial disease “Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome” (HAVS) which is a disorder that affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm caused by continuous use of vibrating machinery. In a world with increasingly stringent safety requirements for workers, employees are allowed to use a lawn mower no more than a certain number of hours a day, depending on the vibration exposure.
HAVS & WBV
Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) is caused by the use of power tools. It can result in painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) can be prevented, but once the damage is done it will be permanent.
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat and footrest of the operator. Large shocks and jolts may cause health risks including back pain.
The legislation has adopted two values: an exposure action value and an exposure limit value. The values are the result of a daily exposure, normalized to an 8 hour reference period. These are the minimum requirements governments may raise for the protection of the health of the employee.
| Action value | Limit Value | |
| Whole-body vibration | 0,5 m/s2 |
1,15 m/s2 |
| Hand-arm vibration | 2,5 m/s2 |
5 m/s2 |
Ferris zero turn mowers… No limits!
Ferris occupies a unique position. Ferris zero turn mowers are equipped with four-wheel Independent Suspension, similar to car’s and modern agricultural tractors. The suspension system reduces shocks and vibrations caused by the terrain and machine which can cause operator fatigue. Many operator’s slow down to compensate for rough terrain. When protected from these effects, the operator can increase speed, taking full advantage of the available horsepower. This translates in higher productivity. Ferris mowers equipped with the unique suspension system show a vibration exposure below the maximum standard. This means Ferris zero turn mowers are safe to use 8 hours a day without restrictions.
The information contained on this page is intended for general information purposes. Although we take the greatest care in compiling the information, we cannot guarantee that this information is complete, current and / or accurate. We accept no liability for direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of, reliance on, or actions taken based on the information provided.
- Equipment with an vibration exposure value equal, or lower than the exposure action value, can be used for 8 hours in a working day.
- For equipment with an exposure value between the exposure action value and the exposure limit value, employers are required to take action to reduce exposure for the protection of the health of the employee.
- The exposure limit value should not be exceeded.
About Briggs & Stratton Corporation:
Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is focused on providing power to get work done and make people's lives better. Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of power generation, pressure washers, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products through its Briggs & Stratton®, Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris®, Vanguard®, Allmand™, Billy Goat®, Murray®, Branco® and Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents. For additional information, please visit www.basco.com and www.briggsandstratton.com.
