What Is a Noise Dosimeter?

Dosimeters are essential for noise monitoring and sound exposure in contemporary work situations. Moreover, dosimeters are helpful because they use documented time-history data to show when and where a particular exposure happened.

But maybe someone does not know what a noise dosimeter is. For them, a noise dosimeter is a specialist noise level meter designed to assess a person’s cumulative noise levels over time.

In this article, we will discuss the dosimeter’s overall information.

Noise Dosimeter: What Is It?

Monitoring noise using a sound level meter is quite simple when the decibel levels are constant, and the worker remains virtually motionless throughout the work shift. But when noise levels are changing or periodic, explosive elements or the worker is walking around often during the work shift, a noise dosimeter is preferred for such situations for measuring noise exposure.

The noise dosimeter can be compared to a sound level meter that also has storing and computing capabilities. It calculates the readout as the percent dosage or TWA after measuring and storing the sound levels during an exposure time. 

Detecting any particular direct noise exposure, a noise dosimeter can work perfectly. They are usually compact, cable-free shoulder-worn devices that detect noise directly from the worker’s ear. Furthermore, they also mark the other noises that impact the employees.

As of November 2018, the following table illustrates the exposure levels for occupational organizations:

Moreover, suppose someone is concerned about finding a noise dosimeter tool. In that case, they will be happy to know that Cirrus is a market leader in noise measurement equipment, having invented the dose Badge in 1995, which was the first contemporary noise dosimeter. As a result, Cirrus offers a variety of devices to satisfy your noise measurement requirements. 

Noise Dosimeter Benefits

As we already know, a noise dosimeter is a form of sound level meter which is used to evaluate individual noise exposure levels. However, it can also be utilized in such situations when a comprehensive sound level

Can Record the Overall Situation 

One remarkable thing regarding noise dosimeters is that a controller can record someone’s noise exposure in multiple areas over an entire working day. And so, it became possible with the blessing of modern technology and innovative designs.

It Does Not Create Any Interruption 

Another advantage of it is that most of the noise dosimeters are light and simplistic, which allows people to continue working without interruption. It is really not safe or practicable, such as in high-risk regions or restricted rooms. 

Excellent Calculation Precision

One benefit of using dosimeters is that if workers wear them for their entire work shift, the noise dose is measured fully, eliminating the need for any additional calculation. However, most current dosimeters automatically project the noise dose to all the regular every 8 hours, so an employee does not need to make calculations.

Simplicity in Usage 

Because of their modest size, they can be carried mounted in unusual places, such as on a safety helmet. This eliminates the need for the dosimeter to be worn on the employee’s clothing, removing it from their consciousness.

Easy Recognition 

The advantage of dosimeters is that they ‘log’ the noise data. As a result, when someone downloads it on a PC, the noise’s time history is saved automatically. Moreover, it allows the controller to detect when and where high sound exposures occur.

Dosimeter Vs. Sound Level Meter

Noise levels are measured by sound level meters and noise dosimeters. 

Sound level meters are larger meters used to monitor noise levels in the workplace or the environment. They can produce readings that illustrate how noisy a particular area is. However, there is no limit to the types of noise they can measure or where they can monitor it. Therefore, a sound level meter is a tool to determine how noisy a particular place is.

As the name implies, there are two sorts of sound level meters: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 instruments are more accurate than Class 2 instruments since their readings have a lower chance of error. Use sound level meters to measure the noise level of a specific region, location, or process.

On the other hand, a dosimeter is best used to detect sound in a noisy area. That means noise dosimeters can be used when someone needs to know how much noise a person or employee has created. 

So, for official purposes, using a dosimeter is preferable. But in Europe, these tools cannot be trusted properly. Here are a few reasons: 

1. The cable was deemed hazardous because it could get caught in whirling equipment.
2. The dosimeter could inform you that the level had been exceeded, but it couldn’t tell you when it would happen.
3. Workers could fake the data.
4. The device was large enough to have an impact on the work schedule.

FAQ’s on Noise Dosimeter

Final Part

Detect sound exposure in a particular place, a dosimeter has no alternative. Because noise creates such massive destruction during working time, you should take it from Cirrus if you do not know what a noise dosimeter is.