Casella, leaders in noise and dust monitoring equipment, is pleased to announce they have achieved Mine Safety and Health Administration approval in the U.S. for its popular noise monitoring product: the dBadge2. A personal dosimeter that can be worn by employees for their entire working shift, the dBadge2 is worn close to the shoulder and is ideal for personal noise exposure monitoring.  Data is instantly recorded and can be downloaded to detail the time history of the noise exposure, highlighting where high exposures occur throughout the day.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), ensures all mining and mineral processing operations in the United States are compliant with relevant safety and health legislation. This new certification follows on from the previous safety approvals such as IECex, ATEX, and QPS, giving the dBadge2 further credibility for use in flammable atmospheres. Its hardy and rugged technology recognised by other regional mining approval bodies, such as SABS in South Africa, where the dBadge2 has proven its successful operation in harsh working environments through its IP65 rated design. 

Other features on the dBadge2 include motion detection to ensure the device is consistently worn, plus optional features such as level-triggered audio recording to verify sources of high noise levels. The dBadge2 is also compatible with Casella’s industry-leading software, NoiseSafe, which provides graphical analysis of noise levels throughout the day. Available through any purchase of the dBadge2, the software can download a typical eight-hour workplace recording in just a few seconds.

Twenty-two million workers are exposed to hazardous occupational noise each year, a figure nearly equivalent to the population of Florida which puts them at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In fact, about 25% of all workers in the U.S. have been exposed to hazardous noise and 53% of noise-exposed workers report not wearing hearing protection, highlighting the importance of personal protective equipment and noise sampling equipment.

Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at Casella comments ‘We’re very happy to announce that the dBadge2 has been approved by the MSHA. NIHL is the third most common chronic health condition in the U.S, affecting one in four adults. It results in injuries that can seriously impair a worker’s quality of life. NIHL damage is, however, as preventable through the use of the correct controls.  Having a noise dosimeter capable of measuring exposure to miners is a key stage in ensuring exposure is controlled, and their health protected’.