This International Standard defines a method for measuring and analysing the mechanical vibration of railway vehicles during field tests. It deals with periodic, random and transient vibration over the range of frequencies from 0,5 Hz to 80 Hz which are transmitted to the whole human body. This International Standard covers standing and seating positions only.

This International Standard is not applicable to vibration transmitted to the hand-arm system, nor to very-low-frequency lateral, vertical or rotational motion which may be associated with kinetosis (motion sickness). This International Standard does not propose methods for assessing the effects of vibration. This is covered by ISO 2631-1 and, for fixed guideway transport systems, by ISO 2631-4.