3M eg4 Free field setting microphone, Hearing Conservation HC Hertz Hz, Lavg Average Level, Lep,d

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Appendix B

Glossary of Terms

Field Calibration (vs. Factory Calibration), pre-calibration, post-calibration

To be sure the dosimeter is functioning within specified tolerance limits, it should be returned to the factory annually for a factory recalibration. To verify that the dosimeter is measuring properly during normal use, field calibrations should be performed. Pre-calibration is performed prior to any data being recorded by the dosimeter. During a pre-calibration, the dosimeter level may be adjusted to match the calibrator output level. Post-calibration is a simple verification that the instrument has remained in calibration throughout the measurement period.

Free field setting (microphone)

Measurements made in an area without sound reflections, diffractions and absorptions caused by nearby objects (including the operator). Sound waves are free to spread out continuously, like ripples on a pond, without reflection. When making free field measurements with a dosimeter set up for use as a sound level meter, the microphone is typically pointed directly at the sound source.

Hearing Conservation (HC)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) provide regulatory standards for hearing conservation programs. In addition, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) provides industrial standards for hearing conservation programs. http://www.osha.gov/ , http://www.msha.gov/ , http://www.acgih.org/home.htm

Hertz (Hz)

Unit of vibration frequency in cycles per second.

Lavg (Average Level)

Lavg is the average sound level measured over the run time. This becomes a bit confusing when thresholds are used. Any sound below the threshold is not included in this average. Remember that sound is measured in the logarithmic scale of decibels therefore the average cannot be computed by simply .adding the levels and dividing by the number of samples. When averaging decibels, short durations of high levels can significantly contribute to the average level. Example: Assume the threshold is set to 80 dB and the Exchange Rate is 5 dB (the settings of OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Amendment). Consider taking a one-hour noise measurement in an office where the A-weighted sound level was typically between 50 dB and 70 dB. If the sound level never exceeded the 80 dB threshold during the one hour period, then the Lavg would not indicate any reading at all. If 80 dB was exceeded for only a few seconds due to a telephone ringing near the instrument, then only those seconds will contribute to the Lavg resulting in a level perhaps around 40 dB (notably lower than the actual levels in the environment).

Lep,d

Daily personal noise exposure level.

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