Is noise pollution in the industrial factory affecting the health of your employees? Accurate noise level measurement is essential, and Noise Dosimeter or personal sound exposure meter is the best tool to solve this problem. SCMA is ready to provide sales services along with our service for comprehensive standard calibration. This article will take you through what Noise Dosimeter is, how it works, as well as a checklist for legally compliant purchasing.
What is a Noise Dosimeter?
Noise Dosimeter is a personal sound level instrument designed to record and calculate the accumulated sound exposure received by an individual over a period of time. This device is compact and is clipped by safety engineers near the employee's ear throughout their shift. Noise Dosimeter helps assess risks to prevent hearing loss according to occupational health and safety standards.
How a Noise Dosimeter Works
Noise Dosimeter or the Personal Sound Exposure Meter is a small wearable device that is clipped to the shoulder to record the actual accumulated sound exposure that employees receive throughout the workday. The working principle of this type of device follows the following consistent steps:
1. Receiving sound waves through the microphone
The small microphone attached to the user's shoulder area functions to receive vibrations from sound waves in the real environment. It then converts them into an electrical signal sent into the device. Receiving sound in this step is very important to analyze whether the Noise Dosimeter is a tool that provides accurate readings or not.
2. Signal conditioning and frequency weighting
The electrical signal is passed through a frequency weighting circuit (Frequency Weighting, such as A-weighting) to adjust the sound level to be equivalent to human hearing accuracy. This process helps filter out frequencies that the human ear is not sensitive to, making the data obtained truly reflect the risk according to occupational health principles.
3. Processing and accumulating values according to standards
The internal system of the device continuously records the loudness of the sound over time (Time History) throughout the work shift. Then the system calculates the average value (Leq) as well as the accumulated noise dose (Noise Dose) compared to safety standards such as OSHA or IEC 61252, so that engineers can assess the risk.
4. Displaying results and recording data
All processed data is securely stored in the device's memory. Users can download this data for further analysis or to prepare sound safety assessment reports. If someone is wondering what a Noise Dosimeter is, this report data is the clear answer that shows the results of sound exposure.
How many types of industrial sound measurement tools are there?
According to international standards, including references from SCMA experts Environmental Measurement Instruments used in industry are classified according to their usage characteristics. If we consider Noise Dosimeter as one of the important devices, we can classify the tools as follows
1. Sound Level Meter (SLM)
A general sound level meter, it is a handheld device designed to measure sound levels in a specific area at a particular time. It includes Class 1 for the highest accuracy required in laboratory settings, as well as Class 2 for general use in industrial factories.
2. Impulsive/Impact Noise Meter
This type of sound meter is designed to detect impulsive or impact noises that are loud and occur over a short period of time, such as pile driving sounds or metal pump sounds. This device has a very high sensitivity to respond and capture peak sound levels, preventing acute hearing hazards to workers.
3. Personal Noise Dosimeter
A personal sound exposure meter that is clipped onto the body, or Personal Sound Exposure Meter, is a device suitable for workers who move around multiple areas throughout the day. This type of Noise Dosimeter will accurately record personal sound exposure without hindering work performance.
Maintenance of Noise Dosimeter
Maintaining the instrument such as model KEPLER KSM-130N from SCMA is very important for the accuracy of its operation. Based on the experience of SCMA's engineering team, we recommend the following maintenance methods to extend the product's lifespan:
1. Cleaning of Important Components
The microphone is the most fragile part. It is strictly prohibited to use solid objects or water spray for cleaning. Instead, use a rubber bulb to blow air to remove dust, or use a dry soft cloth to gently wipe. In addition, it is recommended to always wear a windscreen (Windscreen) to prevent moisture from entering the device.
2. Proper Battery Management
The standard Noise Dosimeter supports long continuous operation. It is important to charge the battery or check the battery level before attaching it to the employee's body. If it is not used for a long period of time, the battery should be removed to prevent chemical leakage that could damage the internal circuit board.
3. Storage in Appropriate Environment
The device and its accessories should be stored in a dedicated storage bag and placed in a dry room with appropriate temperature. Users must avoid leaving the device in a car exposed to direct sunlight, or in areas with high humidity and oil stains.
4. Testing and Calibration for Accuracy (Calibration)
Before starting measurement, Field Calibration should be performed using a reference sound generator, such as model Class 2 KSM-42C KEPLER, to confirm accuracy. In addition, the device should be sent to a laboratory for standard ISO/IEC 17025 calibration at least once a year to obtain a certificate for use as legal evidence.
Application of Noise Dosimeter in Industry
Noise Dosimeter is a portable device for measuring personal exposure to noise over the course of work. Correct application in the industry requires careful attention to the following important steps.
1. Personal Wear Measurement
This method is particularly suitable for employees who need to inspect work in multiple areas or are in environments with fluctuating noise levels throughout the day. Having employees carry the device with them helps obtain a more accurate true average of noise exposure than placing the measuring device in a fixed location.
2. Proper Installation of the Device
The safety engineer must clip the unit to the belt or place it in the employee's pocket, then attach the microphone to the shoulder or inside the shirt at ear level, within a radius of no more than 30 centimeters. Installing it in this position helps the device receive sound closest to what the employee hears.
3. Setting Occupational Health Standards
Basic settings before use are very important. Generally, the Threshold Level is set at 80 dB(A), the Criteria Level is set at 90 dB(A), and the Energy Exchange Rate is set at 5 dB. These settings help the system calculate risks correctly according to international standards.
4. Calibration of the Instrument
Operators must perform both external and internal calibration of the device every time before starting a work shift. This calibration confirms that the Noise Dosimeter is a device ready to provide accurate readings, preventing errors in safety assessment.
5. Reference to International Standards
The selected device should have features that comply with standards [IEC 61252] or [ANSI S1.25] to ensure the highest level of reliability in results. The data obtained can be used to evaluate the 8-hour TWA (Time-Weighted Average) for preparing reports to be submitted to government agencies as required by law.
Advantages of Noise Dosimeter
Choosing a personal sound measuring device offers many advantages for safety management in factories. If managers understand what the benefits of Noise Dosimeter are, it will help make investment decisions easier.
1. Accurately measures individual sound exposure
The first advantage is the ability to reflect the actual amount of sound each employee receives throughout the day. Since employees move to different areas with varying noise levels, this device records values more precisely than general fixed-position measuring devices.
2. Does not hinder employees' work
With its compact, lightweight design, employees can wear this device throughout their shift without feeling uncomfortable. This design helps employees perform their duties smoothly and safely, without affecting production efficiency.
3. Records continuous Time History data
The device can record detailed changes in noise levels over time. Engineers can use this data to analyze graphs and identify times or areas where abnormal noise occurs, leading to targeted problem-solving at the source.
4. Complies with legal requirements
Using a Noise Dosimeter that meets standards provides the factory with reliable evidence for evaluating average noise levels (TWA). These data are essential for preparing reports to be submitted to the Department of Labor Welfare, preventing legal issues.
5. Easy and quick data transfer and report generation
Newer models support connection to computers via specialized software. Users can quickly download data to create safety reports, saving a significant amount of time for safety officers.
How to Choose a Noise Dosimeter
Selecting a noise measurement device that meets standards and can be registered according to the law involves several important factors. To answer the question of whether the quality is good or what Noise Dosimeter is suitable, consider the following checklist
- International Standards: The device must pass the IEC 61252 or ANSI S1.25-1991 standard to ensure legal accuracy
- Calibration: It must be able to work perfectly with a sound calibrator
- Display: It should have a display on the device or be able to view Real-Time values through software
- Data Logging: Supports data logging throughout the work shift, easily transfer to a computer for report generation
- Ergonomic Design: Must be a Personal Noise Dosimeter in a shoulder clip style that is small and does not interfere with work
- Durability: The material must be resistant to factory environments, such as dust and humidity, with battery life exceeding 8 hours
Precautions for Using a Noise Dosimeter
Although this device is designed to be durable, careless use may affect data accuracy. To ensure that safety assessments are carried out correctly and accurately, users should follow these precautions
- Microphone Position: Check the microphone clip position to ensure it is not covered by clothing or other personal protective equipment, blocking the sound direction
- Avoid Impact: Instruct employees not to drop the device or tap the microphone area during measurement
- Prevent Moisture: Although the device is durable, avoid using it in the rain or in areas with dense water mist without using a windsock
- Check Battery: If the battery runs out during the shift, some recorded data may be lost. Always charge the battery fully beforehand
- Do Not Blow Air into the Microphone: Blowing air into the microphone with your mouth to test the device may damage the internal diaphragm
Summary
In summary, Noise Dosimeter is an essential occupational health tool for industrial factories. If you fully understand what Noise Dosimeter is, including how to select and maintain it, it will effectively prevent hearing loss risks among employees. SCMA, as an expert in premium measurement technology, is ready to provide consultation, distribute internationally standardized equipment, and offer comprehensive post-sale calibration services.
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If you want to buy a Noise Dosimeter, you can purchase it from SCMA today!
Investing in accurate measuring instruments is an investment in employee safety to prevent long-term losses. If your factory is looking for a high-quality Noise Dosimeter, SCMA's engineering team is ready to offer the "Project & Solutions" service to design a system tailored to your specific needs. Whether your question is about usage or what Noise Dosimeter is, we are ready to provide answers, supply products, and offer professional calibration services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Noise Dosimeter different from a Sound Level Meter?
A noise dosimeter is designed for employees to carry with them throughout the workday to calculate an average, while a Sound Level Meter is used to measure sound levels at specific points in an area.
How often should the sound meter be calibrated?
Users should perform Field Calibration every time before use, while sending it to a laboratory for ISO/IEC 17025 standard calibration should be done at least once a year.
Does wearing a Noise Dosimeter interfere with work?
No, it does not interfere with work, as the device is compact, lightweight, and simply clipped to the shoulder area, allowing employees to perform their duties normally.
What standards are related to noise dosimeters?
Important international standards include IEC 61252, as well as ANSI S1.25, which are performance requirements that all high-quality measuring instruments must be certified to pass.
Can the data obtained be used to create legal reports?
Yes, it can be used immediately. The average sound level data recorded by the device is highly accurate and can be referenced to create proper reports for government agencies.
