Measure and comply: easy

Noise compliance made easy
September 19th 2006

Measuring noise exposure has become a more complex task under the new EU Directive as there are now six different levels to consider; three A weighted sound exposure levels and three C weighted peak levels. Simultaneously, sound level meters are becoming increasingly complex as designers try to make them more universal in application. More complex measurements combined with instruments that are harder to use can lead to considerable frustration.

To alleviate the situation, Pulsar Instruments has introduced the Assessor, a computerised noise exposure instrument that it claims is the most user-friendly on the market. Simply press On and it starts measuring the noise immediately – with no set up required. While the Assessor is acquiring data, the current sound level is shown on the large display to give an idea of the noise levels involved. After the target noise is captured, press Stop and all the measurements required by the Directive are immediately computed by the internal micro-processor and presented on screen, exactly as specified by the regulations. The exact noise exposure in Leq or LEX is shown together with the highest Peak level reached, plus the measuring time and any information flags.

Two other buttons are provided. One is a Calibrate button that allows the user to comply with codes of practise that require the meter to be calibrated before and after each measurement. To do this, the model 100 calibrator provided in the kit is simply put over the microphone and this Calibrate button pressed. The internal computer then takes over and sets the whole measurement chain – including the microphone – to the precise sensitivity required.

The fourth button is coded Restart and is provided for example to allow a measurement to start before lunch, be halted for lunch, when there is no worker present, restarting the same measurement when work recommences; both these periods being then considered as a single measurement. If instead a totally new measurement is needed at any time, the On button is simply pressed again and the meter commences a totally new measurement session.

In this ‘simple’ form the Assessor is totally manually operated – no computing skills whatever are needed. However, as an optional extra feature, memory storage can be specified at the time of order, when many sets of measurement data can then be stored in the memory of the Assessor and transferred to a pc for either print-out or further analysis. Further build options allow simple frequency analysis – also fully automatic – to allow PPE, such as ear defenders, to be accurately specified.

‘Simplicity’ however, does not mean inaccuracy. Pulsar will submit the whole Assessor family to an EU official laboratory for full Pattern Approval under the new International Standard IEC 61672 as soon as the first official EU laboratory is able to do this. The ‘engine’ of the Assessor has already been fully approved under a previous standard to both Type 1 and Type 2 accuracy. Pulsar claims it is the first device ever to gain approval.

To find out more just  click here and enquire direct online.

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