The doseBadge is the actual noise dosemeter that mounts on the worker's shoulder. It has the following features:

• Strong alloy case, light weight and protecting
• Microphone and noise processor built in
• Rechargeable battery for low cost operation
• Memory for storing results and time history
• Infra-red interface to talk to the Reader unit
• Intrinsically safe option

Noise Measurements Made

The main noise measurements taken by the doseBadge depend on the settings and the regulations being followed. To satisfy the European Noise at Work regulations, the following parameters are recorded:

• Lep,d - the worker's daily exposure to noise
• LAeq - the "A" weighted Leq, or average sound level
• LCPeak - the maximum "C" weighted Peak
• The LAeq every minute and the maximum C weighted Peak every minute

For European noise at work dosimetry, these are all the parameters that are needed and the doseBadge can be used with its default settings. However, if you ever have to measure for other standards, such as the American OSHA standards, the doseBadge can be configured to measure the TWA, LAvg, Dose % and others, with exchange rates of 3 dB, 4 dB or 5 dB. Different Criterion Times and Criterion Levels can also be set.

The doseBadge has dual channels, and can have Channel 1 configured to have different exchange (doubling) rate, time response, threshold, criterion level and criterion time. Channel 2 is fixed to the common ISO 3dB settings. This means that you can work to regulations such as OSHA but still record the ISO parameters too.

Noise Dose Exceedance Indicator

The doseBadge can be set to indicate when the noise dose has exceeded 100% (e.g. 85 dBA for 8 hours). Under normal conditions, the blue LED flashes once every second. When the noise exposure limit is exceeded, it flashes twice every second.

Charging the doseBadge

All doseBadges in the kit can be charged at the same time. They are fitted onto the charging block as shown. A full charge from flat takes just 2½ hours. When the battery is not flat (usually the case) it takes less time. doseBadges can also be given a shorter "top-up" charge when needed at short notice (only on the latest generation of charger, released May 2007).

Mounting the doseBadge

There are a number of different mounts for the doseBadge, including the standard clip-mount (shown on left) and optional helmet mount. The mounting options are screwed onto the bottom of the doseBadge and then fixed to the worker's clothing or helmet.