Casella Dosimeter Monitors Exposure to Dangerous Workplace Noise Levels

According to a recent Cornell University study, excessive noise results in employees who are less cognitively motivated and who have higher stress levels. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke have all been linked to this noise pollution stress. In addition, when exposed to higher decibels over an extended period of time, employees may experience noise-induced hearing loss, an irreversible condition.

"Noise pollution is one of the largest unrecognized hazards in the workplace," said Bob Selywn, national sales manager for Casella USA, the North American subsidiary of Casella CEL, one of the world's leaders in noise monitoring technology. "Beyond the obvious danger to hearing, noise pollution can produce physical and psychological stress which, in turn, can contribute to many other health problems."

To make workplace noise measurements straight-forward, accurate and affordable, Casella USA offers its CEL-320 noise dosimeter. By default, this instrument starts with the most commonly deployed OSHA measurement setup with all the correct parameters selected. The operator only needs to switch the meter on, perform an acoustic field calibration, and start the run - the CEL-320 takes care of everything else. A choice of microphones allows the instrument to be used as a conventional personal noise dosimeter or as a small hand-held sound level meter ideal for community noise measurements as well as noise in the workplace. Total set-up time is typically less than five minutes.

The CEL-320 covers three measurement ranges from 30 to 140 dB to ANSI type 2 specifications. Choose from A or C frequency weightings and Slow, Fast or Impulse time weightings. Select Q as 4, 5, or 6 for dose measurements. Overall results for the maximum, minimum, and average noise levels are saved together with the ability to set two threshold cutoff levels and a single criterion level for all noise dose calculations.

CEL-320 dosimeters are available in single kits that include an acoustic calibrator for on-site verification of the meter, a small foam windscreen to protect the microphone when used outdoors, setup and download Windows® software, and a cable, all housed in a rugged case. Multiple kits are also available in 5- or 10-packs that expand the usefulness of the instrument for larger organizations. 

For more information, visit www.casellausa.com.