Which statement about occupational vibration exposure is correct?

Which statement about occupational vibration exposure is correct?

• A. A sound level meter cannot measure vibration
• B. Vibration exposure is not important
• C. The only valid measure is a vibration meter
• D. A sound level meter can be configured to measure vibration

Answer: (D)

Measuring occupational vibration exposure relies on instruments that can capture motion in addition to sound. A sound level meter is designed to quantify sound, but many meters can be configured to measure vibration when you attach a suitable sensor, such as an accelerometer, or use a vibration input module. In that setup, the meter can display vibration-related quantities (like acceleration or velocity, often as RMS values) just as it would display sound levels, making the instrument versatile for vibration work. This is why the statement is the best: it reflects the practical capability that a sound level meter can be adapted to measure vibration with the right sensor or configuration. The other ideas are not accurate: vibration measurement is important for health reasons, so saying it isn’t important is incorrect; there are established dedicated vibration meters and accelerometers, but that doesn’t mean vibration cannot be measured with a configured SLM; and saying the only valid measure is a vibration meter ignores the ability to extend an SLM’s functionality with the appropriate accessory.

Measuring occupational vibration exposure relies on instruments that can capture motion in addition to sound. A sound level meter is designed to quantify sound, but many meters can be configured to measure vibration when you attach a suitable sensor, such as an accelerometer, or use a vibration input module. In that setup, the meter can display vibration-related quantities (like acceleration or velocity, often as RMS values) just as it would display sound levels, making the instrument versatile for vibration work.

This is why the statement is the best: it reflects the practical capability that a sound level meter can be adapted to measure vibration with the right sensor or configuration. The other ideas are not accurate: vibration measurement is important for health reasons, so saying it isn’t important is incorrect; there are established dedicated vibration meters and accelerometers, but that doesn’t mean vibration cannot be measured with a configured SLM; and saying the only valid measure is a vibration meter ignores the ability to extend an SLM’s functionality with the appropriate accessory.