Personal noise dosemeter meets latest regulations

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 23, 2006

The latest version of the personal noise dosemeter equipment available from Cirrus Research has been uprated to comply with more regulations, guidelines and working-practice standards.

The latest version of the personal noise dosemeter equipment available from Cirrus Research has been uprated to comply with more regulations, guidelines and working-practice standards.

The new features and functions incorporated ensure a wider range of applications, wherever personnel are subject to levels of noise pollution (above first and second action levels).

An intrinsically safe ATEX and EEx certified version is also available for hazardous area operation.

The equipment is ideal for the assessment of occupational noise, particularly where employee mobility or other factors mean that noise exposure cannot otherwise be determined using standard noise-level measurements.

The equipment comprises a CR:110A doseBadge and RC:110A reader unit, designed to simplify the process of noise monitoring within a working environment.

The lightweight and compact doseBadge is user programmable and comprises a nonremovable microphone capsule and rechargeable battery, securely encased within a robust metal enclosure which provides protection against corrosion from inadvertent chemical contact, or impact damage particularly if the unit is dropped.

The doseBadge is also devoid of buttons, controls or displays, which eliminates unauthorised tampering, and maintains the validity of measurement results.

This degree of safety and security is not necessarily common to other manufacturers' equipment, where accessible microphones can be easily damaged and flimsy plastic housings provide only limited protection.

In addition the provision of localised controls and displays increases the potential for falsified or inaccurate readings, nullifying the validity of monitoring surveys.

The Cirrus doseBadge also incorporates a rechargeable NiMH battery with a shake-to-wake function which extends battery life and operating time.

The unit is totally self contained, without controls or trailing cables, ideal for use in confined or constricted spaces.

An infra-red two-way link with a separate handheld reader unit is used to calibrate, supply commands and record information on noise levels and exposure times.

The reader unit can be used with a number of doseBadge units, leading to higher efficiency and economy.

Noise level and duration recordings can be viewed on the Reader Unit, as well as being downloaded to dBlink3 and doseBadge Database software programs for PC analysis.

This includes: overall noise level and time history data logging with peak and battery level; independent configuration of exchange rate, criteria level and time, threshold and time weighting; and compliance with the new 2005 Control of Noise at Work Regulations as well as OSHA.

The doseBadge is attached to the wearer using an epaulette type mounting which incorporates clip attachments.

A helmet mount option is also available, together with a windshield for outdoor operation and a user on/off keyfob, which can be used as an alternative reader unit control.

The intrinsically safe CR:110AIS is the smallest ATEX and EEx noise dosemeter currently available and features a gold plated doseBadge unit for both Group 1 (mining) and Group II (nonmining) applications.

It is also suitable for use in petrochemical plants and oil refineries etc, or wherever explosive or otherwise hazardous atmospheres may be encountered.