Standards Development

Scope

This part of BS 6472 provides guidance on predicting human response to vibration in buildings over the frequency range 0.5 Hz to 80 Hz.

Frequency weighting curves for human beings exposed to whole-body vibration are included, together with advice on measurement methods to be employed. Methods of assessing continuous, intermittent and impulsive vibration are presented.
This part of BS 6472 describes how to determine the vibration dose value, VDV, from frequency-weighted vibration measurements. The vibration dose value is used to estimate the probability of adverse comment which might be expected from human beings experiencing vibration in buildings. Consideration is given to the time of day and use made of occupied space in buildings, whether residential, office or workshop.

NOTE 1 In critical work areas, where vibration criteria more stringent than those for human perception are appropriate, this British Standard does not apply.

NOTE 2 Annex A outlines the way in which methods, results and 
assessments are to be reported, since great care is needed if satisfactory, repeatable conclusions are to be obtained. Annex B provides worked examples of how measurements and predictions might be interpreted in terms of human reaction. Annex C provides examples of the derivation of values appropriate to this British Standard from historic data.

This British Standard does not give guidance on the probability of 
equipment malfunction, structural damage or injury to occupants in buildings subject to vibration. Neither is guidance given on legal liability or methods of vibration limitation, although beneficial means to the latter are often implied.

Purpose

The purpose of this proposal is to revise BS 6472-1 so that it continues to provide authoritative, evidence-based UK guidance for the assessment of human exposure to vibration in buildings.

The current standard establishes UK-specific assessment methods, detailed procedures and guidance ranges associated with the likelihood of adverse comment. Since its publication, further evidence has become available on human response to vibration in buildings. The revision therefore provides an opportunity to review the scientific basis and application of the vibration dose value (VDV) approach, including its treatment of cumulative exposure and its relationship to human perception and response, and to consider whether the existing approach should be retained, refined or complemented by other assessment measures.

The revision will also align the standard with relevant updates in BS ISO 2631-2:2026, Mechanical vibration and shock. Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration. Vibration in buildings (1 Hz to 80 Hz). This will reduce duplication, remove unnecessary overlap with the updated framework standard, and ensure that BS 6472-1 retains a distinct and focused UK-specific role.