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Limitations of using dosimeters in impulse noise environments
Chucri A Kardous1, Robert D Willson
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. ckardous@cdc.gov
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|July 9, 2004
Summary
Noise dosimeters struggle to accurately measure impulse noise from gunfire, often clipping sound levels. This study suggests current NIOSH criteria for impulse noise may be inadequate for accurate occupational exposure assessment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Acoustics
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Noise dosimeters are commonly used to assess worker exposure to sound.
- Impulse noise, characterized by short, high-level sound events like gunfire, presents unique measurement challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of commercial noise dosimeters in measuring personal exposure to impulse noise.
- To assess the performance of dosimeters during live-fire exercises at a law enforcement indoor firing range.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated two leading commercial noise dosimeters.
- Conducted sound measurements using dosimeters, sound level meters, and a specialized waveform capture system.
- Performed personal dosimetry on shooters, an observer, and a range master.
Main Results:
- Peak gunfire levels reached 163 decibels (dB), exceeding dosimeter input limits.
- Dosimeters exhibited 'clipping,' inaccurately recording impulses as 146 dB, even when actual peaks were lower.
- Some dosimeters failed to accurately measure impulse sounds due to electroacoustic limitations.
Conclusions:
- Current noise dosimeters may be incapable of accurately measuring impulse noise.
- Existing National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria for impulse noise integration may be insufficient.
- Further research is needed to develop and validate accurate impulse noise measurement techniques for occupational settings.