Casella dBadge2® Personal Noise Dosimeters

This latest development of personal noise dosimeters comprises dBadge2, dBadge2 Plus with audio recording and dBadge2 Pro with audio recording and real time octave band frequency analysis. All models feature wireless connectivity which links to a mobile device using the Airwave App. This allows users to remotely start, stop or pause a measurement run, monitor battery life and memory capacity, check measurement progress and alarms without having to disturb the worker. This minimises the chance of invalid data and maximises the productivity of the Health and Safety professional.

Like the classic dBadge personal noise dosimeter, dBadge2's concept is to capture every possible noise exposure related parameter during a measurement run and make it available for subsequent download and analysis. The user only has to choose the most relevant parameters to display on the screen from pre-defined ISO, OSHA, MSHA and ACGIH set ups.

Key Features

Applications

Product Overview

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the leading causes of occupational disease and it is estimated that 16% of global hearing loss is due to occupational noise exposure. It is particularly acute in the mining, construction and oil & gas sectors plus a wide variety of industrial manufacturing activities where the cumulative effects of noise exposure can lead to irreversible yet avoidable hearing damage.

Noise exposure measurements using a personal noise dosimeter is one recognised method of exposure assessment to the requirements of US regulation CFR 1910.95, International standard ISO9612:2009 Determination of occupational noise exposure and UK Guidance document L108 Controlling Noise at Work plus many other National regulations and standards.

The iconic, original dBadge proved an invaluable tool in monitoring personal exposure but dBadge2 represents the next generation, building on well established must-have features and usability; a true evolution.

Noise exposure metrics can be confusing given the plethora of parameters required to satisfy an equally wide range of standards but the dBadge2 has been specifically designed to simplify the whole process.

Like its predecessor, the dBadge2's concept is to capture every possible noise exposure related parameter during a measurement run and make it available for subsequent download and analysis. The user only has to choose the most relevant parameters to display on screen.

Get Connected!

Getting workers to participate in your survey may already be a challenge so the addition of Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity with the supporting Airwave App allows you to remotely start, stop or pause a measurement run, monitor battery life and memory capacity, check measurement progress and alarms without having to disturb the worker who may be involved in a critical task or be otherwise inaccessible!

Being able to see results in this way brings added confidence that your survey is progressing as planned and therefore minimises the likelihood of having to repeat a measurement and therefore maximises your productivity particularly if you have a number of dBadge2 deployed.

Connectivity brings other benefits when it comes to collecting data in the field. Summary data, along with a photograph of the task plus on the spot notes can be emailed to yourself or a colleague for review or inclusion in a report.

Multiple Simulated Dosimeters

The dBadge2 has a 'multiple simulated dosimeter' capability to display noise exposure results according to differing regional or international protocols.

These 'simulated dosimeters' termed D1, D2 and D3 simply define the measurement parameters that are displayed on screen or that appear on the Airwave App. The primary dosimeter, D1, provides access to any LAVG or LEQ based noise dose parameters plus a comprehensive set of related noise measurement parameters. There are pre-defined ISO, OSHA, MSHA, and ACGIH setups (selectable from the dBadge2 itself) but also a fully custom configured mode using Casella Insight data management software.

Dosimeters D2 and D3 allow you to display additional LAVG based noise dose results based upon their associated Threshold (T), Criterion (C) and Exchange rates (or Q factor). As an example, you may wish to simultaneously compare noise exposure data based upon the OSHA Personal Exposure Limit (PEL) or Hearing Conservation (HC) setups.

For every measurement run, dBadge2 records a comprehensive data set which means that you can retrospectively analyse the results to whatever standards or parameters you need within Casella Insight data management software, regardless of what D1, D2 or D3 displayed on screen meaning you never need to worry about having the wrong setting and missing a measurement opportunity.

Colour Display

The dBadge2 takes full advantage of the OLED display by colour-coding both the D1, D2 and D3 data to aid review in the field but also an ability to define colour coded alarm values.

These alarms are based on up to two sources ( LAS, LAeq, LCPk, LZPk, LAVG, TWA, Projected TWA, Lepd, Projected Lepd, LEX8h, Projected LEX 8h) with both lower and upper trigger levels specifiable for each alarm.

When a data parameter has been specified as an alarm source, the parameter is shown in green font for levels below the lower limit.

Above the lower and upper trigger levels the alarm parameter is displayed using amber and then red coloured fonts respectively. Used in conjunction with the 'large font' mode, where just one main parameter is displayed, makes it a valuable tool in the field when the Airwave App cannot be used.

A high visibility blue LED additionally flashes at a slow rate when a lower level exceedance is active and at a fast rate whenever an upper level alarm has been triggered.

Motion Sensing

Worker engagement in the survey is essential to a successful outcome but in extreme cases a worker may remove the dBadge2 without your knowledge rendering the results invalid. A built-in motion sensor expresses the worker's movement as a percentage of time motion has been detected during a measurement run. Armed with this data you can choose to accept or reject the measurement run.

Audio Recording - Plus & Pro Models

Available on Plus and Pro models and enabled/disabled in the dBadge2 configuration menu, the audio recording option offers the ability to store 15 seconds of voice notes when a measurement run is started, simply controlled using the left and right hand buttons. Recording the employees name and the task for example adds valuable information for audit purposes.

It also provides the facility to record the actual noise associated with triggered events as defined by user-settable exceedance and parameters based on 1 second SPL or LPeak or LMAX profile data. The resulting audio saved in a .WAV file may be subsequently reviewed in Casella Insight data management software.

Octave Band Frequency Analysis

Available on the Pro model only, real-time octave band frequency analysis, once the preserve of a hand-held sound level meter, gives the specialist yet more information on which to base their all-important control measures. Similarly enabled/disabled in the configuration menu, overall cumulative instantaneous, LEQ and LMAX values are displayed for the measurement run both on screen in graphical format, with an on-screen cursor and in a table format in the Airwave App.

Combined Docking Station and Charger

The combined docking station and charger allows an individual dBadge2 to be downloaded via USB either using the Utility provided which downloads the dBadge2 data directly to XLS format or directly into Casella Insight Data Management Software using the dBadge2 plug in.

When placed in any of the three 'pockets' the dBadge2 will also begin to charge the battery displaying it's charge status in terms of % charge and projected run time (based on how the dBadge is configured). To check progress, simply press either key or tilt the docking station to 'wake' the dBadge2. A complete charge from empty will take 6 hours, whilst a charge sufficient to conduct an 8 hour survey will take just over an hour.

Up to 12 dBadge2 can be charged in this way using a master Docking Station and extension units.

Casella Insight Data Management Software

dBadge2 can be custom configured by and downloaded to PC using the Docking Station and Casella Insight Data Management Software. Once downloaded, data can be stored under a worker's name, location or process so that a database of noise exposure can be built up.

A colour coded system can be used to highlight workers who have been exposed to specific action levels. Graphs can be modified by adding exclusion zones, which subsequently provides exposure data with and without these zones.

Data can also be viewed according to different measurement protocols e.g. either ISO or OSHA or alternatively the data can be customised to a user's own requirements.

Futhermore, a multi-track approach to displaying time history, events, pauses, exclusions and modifications, pauses, notes and motion saves time when analysing data because it allows you to view all the data tagged to the same time-line e.g. view profile data, listen to an audio file associated with an event (PLUS & PRO models) or read/write descriptive notes.

Reports can summarise the required dose data and any information about the worker's working day, together with the time history and other 'tagged' data. To create (or tailor) a report, simply select the view icon to select your personal report template and it's just a one button press to generate a report. As an audit trail original and modified data can be specified.



Measurement Kits and Models

dBadge2 is available as a complete starter kit with everything you require to get you up and running. A kit includes the dBadge of your choice; Standard, Plus or Pro, a CEL-120/2 Acoustic Calibrator, 3-way combined Docking Station and charger, universal mains power supply, USB cable and Casella Insight data management software, all housed in a kit case capable of carrying 10 dBadge2 (and up to 3 Docking Stations).

Additional dBadges may then be purchased as required (and additional extension Docking Stations). For more information please see 'Ordering Information' below.

Ordering Information

Kits

Model Description
dBadge2/K1 Kit includes (1) dBadge2 dosimeter with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K2 Kit includes (2) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K3 Kit includes (3) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K4 Kit includes (4) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K5 Kit includes (5) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K6 Kit includes (6) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K7 Kit includes (7) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K8 Kit includes (8) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K9 Kit includes (9) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K10 Kit includes (10) dBadge2 dosimeter with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K11 Kit includes (11) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2/K12 Kit includes (12) dBadge2 dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
   
dBadge2Plus/K1 Kit includes (1) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K2 Kit includes (2) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K3 Kit includes (3) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K4 Kit includes (4) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K5 Kit includes (5) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K6 Kit includes (6) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K7 Kit includes (7) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K8 Kit includes (8) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K9 Kit includes (9) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K10 Kit includes (10) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K11 Kit includes (11) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Plus/K12 Kit includes (12) dBadge2Plus dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
   
dBadge2Pro/K1 Kit includes (1) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K2 Kit includes (2) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K3 Kit includes (3) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging base, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K4 Kit includes (4) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K5 Kit includes (5) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K6 Kit includes (6) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K7 Kit includes (7) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K8 Kit includes (8) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K9 Kit includes (9) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K10 Kit includes (10) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K11 Kit includes (11) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case
dBadge2Pro/K12 Kit includes (12) dBadge2Pro dosimeters with calibrator, charging bases, power supply, USB cable, Insight software, and carrying case

Accessories and Spares

Model Description
207078B/EXT 3-unit extension charger/docking station with connecting cable for dBadge2 Series
207078B/KIT 3-unit charger/docking station with power supply and USB cable for dBadge2 Series
DB2CLIPS Alligator mounting clips for dBadge2 Series noise dosimeters, 5-sets
DB2WS Foam windscreens for dBadge2 Series noise dosimeters, 5-pack
dBadge2 dBadge2 noise dosimeter with windscreen, alligator clips, and calibration certificate
dBadge2Plus dBadge2Plus noise dosimeter plus recording of audio events with windscreen, alligator clips, and calibration certificate
dBadge2Pro dBadge2Pro noise dosimeter plus recording of audio events and octave band data with windscreen, alligator clips, and Calibration Certificate

Technical Specifications