This International Standard describes the coupling parameters between the hands of a machine operator and a vibrating surface of the machine. The coupling between the hand and the vibrating surface can be described using different parameters and component parts of these parameters: — force parameters, such as push, pull and grip; — parameters such as pressure exerted on skin. In addition, informative annexes provide guidelines for measuring procedures, the measurement of the force and pressure parameters, and information on the requirements for measuring instrumentation, as well as a calibration method. This International Standard does not deal with forces which act tangentially to the hand.