Casella DBADGE2PRO User manual

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User Manual
HB4056-01(EN)

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Thank you for purchasing the Casella dBadge2 Personal Noise Dosimeter. We hope that
you will be pleased with it and the service that you receive from us and our distributors. If
you do have any queries, concerns or problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Casella prides itself on providing precision instrumentation since 1799, supplying eminent
figures including Darwin and Livingstone. A lot has changed in our 200+ year history but
what does remain is our commitment to reliable, trustworthy and credible solutions.
For more information or to find out more about Casella and our products, please visit our
website at: http://www.casellasolutions.com
UK Office
Casella
Regent House
Wolseley Road
Kempston
Bedford
MK42 7JY
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
United States
Casella Inc.
415 Lawrence Bell Drive
Unit 4
Buffalo
NY 14221
USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
China
Ideal Industries China
No. 61, Lane 1000
Zhangheng Road
Pudong District
Shanghai 201203
China
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
India
Ideal Industries India PVT Ltd
229-230 Spazedge
Tower B, Sohna Road, Sector 47
Gurgaon 122001
Haryana
India
Phone: [phone]
Email: Casella.Sal[email protected]

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1. Introduction
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the world’s leading occupational diseases
and it has been estimated that 16% of global hearing loss is due to occupational noise
exposure. It is acute in the mining, construction, oil & gas sectors but also in a wide variety
of industrial manufacturing and other commercial activities where the cumulative effects of
excessive noise exposure could lead to this avoidable disease.
Noise exposure measurements using a personal noise dosimeter such as dBadge2 is a
recognised method of making an exposure assessment as required by regulations and/or
standards such as CFR 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure (USA), ISO9612:2009
Acoustics –Determination of occupational noise exposure –Engineering method, HSE
Document L108 Controlling Noise at Work –Guidance on Regulations.
The original dBadge proved an invaluable tool in monitoring personal exposure but dBadge2
is the next generation, taking all of those features and usability and building on them; a true
evolution. New features of the dBadge2 include:
Full colour display with colour-coded screens and alarms
Bluetooth® 4.0 wireless connectivity
Airwave App for mobile devices such as smartphones & tablets
Multiple simulated dosimeters (termed D1, D2 & D3)
Motion sensor
1 second time history profiling
Pause function
Recording of audio events (Plus & Pro models)
Real-time octave band frequency analysis (Pro model only)
USB download via Docking Station (and combined charger)
Updated & simplified Plug-in for Casella Insight data management software
The models and other key features of the dBadge2 range are listed below:
The addition of Bluetooth® 4.0 wireless connectivity and the supporting Airwave App
enables remote control and monitoring of the instrument’s status such as battery usage,
memory capacity and measurement progress without having to disturb the worker. This
added confidence in the measurement minimises the likelihood of having to repeat a survey
due to potentially flawed data and therefore maximises your productivity.

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Personal noise exposure measurement can be confusing given the plethora of parameters
available and the combination required to meet different standards and regulations but the
dBadge2 has been specifically designed to simplify the process. Like its iconic predecessor,
the dBadge2 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
has only to choose the most relevant parameters to display on the screen.
The dBadge2 thus uses a ‘multiple simulated dosimeter’ concept to display noise exposure
values according to these differing standards and regulations. The ‘simulated dosimeters’
are referred to as D1, D2 and D3 throughout this user manual and they define the
measurement parameters that are displayed on screen.
The primary dosimeter (D1) provides any LAVG or LEQ based noise dose parameter plus a
comprehensive set of related values. LEQ based noise exposure assessment e.g. to
European standards, will typically only ever require the D1 dosimeter meaning D2 and D3
may be switched off in the configuration menu available on power up.
Dosimeters D2 and D3 allow the display of additional LAVG based noise dose values based
on combinations of Threshold (T), Criterion (C) and Exchange rate (Q factor). As an
example, a US customer may wish to simultaneously compare noise exposure data based
upon the OSHA Hearing Conservation (HC), OSHA Personal Exposure Limit (PEL) and
ACGIH requirements.
A user defined custom set up is also available for those who have their own internal
standards that may exceed the exposure requirements laid down by regulations. This
custom set up is available from Casella Insight.
It should be noted that for every measurement run, the dBadge2 records a comprehensive
data set which means that you can retrospectively analyse the results within Casella Insight,
regardless of what was displayed on the instrument in D1, D2 or D3.

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2. Safety and Warnings
Under no circumstances should this equipment be cleaned
using a solvent based cleaner.
The dBadge2 contains no user serviceable parts. DO NOT
open the product case, this will invalidate the warranty.
Repair and battery replacement must be carried out by
authorised service personnel only.
Use only the recommended CEL-252 microphone and when in
normal use ensure you always fit the windscreen. Only screw
the microphone on ‘finger tight’ and do not use pliers to
remove it should it become overtightened.
This product is not approved for intrinsically safe operation
and must not be used within hazardous areas.
When Bluetooth® is enabled, care must be taken to avoid
interference with sensitive equipment such as in medical,
aviation or safety critical environments.

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3. Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................3
2. Safety and Warnings .......................................................................................................................... 5
3. Contents............................................................................................................................................. 6
4. Typical Steps in a Noise Assessment.................................................................................................. 7
5. Getting to know your instrument and accessories............................................................................ 8
6. Using the dBadge2 ...........................................................................................................................12
7. Configuring the dBadge2 .................................................................................................................20
8. Visual Alarm Warnings..................................................................................................................... 26
9. Motion sensing ................................................................................................................................27
10. Airwave Application...................................................................................................................28
11. Download Utility ..........................................................................................................................31
12. Casella Insight Data Management Software................................................................................32
13. User Interface Diagrams ..............................................................................................................33
14. Technical Specifications ...............................................................................................................35
15. Glossary of Terms.........................................................................................................................39
16. Projected and Normalised Noise Measurements........................................................................41
17. Noise Measurements –A Simple Analogy ................................................................................... 44
18. Examples of Possible Measurement Scenarios............................................................................45
19. Fault Finding & Diagnostics..........................................................................................................49
20. Declarations .................................................................................................................................50

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4. Typical Steps in a Noise Assessment

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5. Getting to know your instrument and accessories
When delivered, dBadge2 will have its microphone, windscreen and mounting clips already
assembled. The following spares are available; a replacement pack of 5 Windscreens (part
number DB2WS) and 5 pairs of clips (part number DB2CLIPS).
The dBadge serial number is located on the rear label and should be quoted in any
communication with Technical Support or Service.
If purchased as a complete measuring kit it will also come supplied with a CEL-120/2 Acoustic
calibrator & 2 off AAA batteries, combined Docking Station & charger, PC18 Universal Mains
power supply, CMC51 USB cable, Casella Insight data management software (supplied on a
memory stick) and kit case suitable for up to 10 dBadge2 instruments and 3 Docking Stations.
The Airwave App and download utility are available for download from the Support section of
the Casella website as detailed in Sections 10 and 12 of this handbook respectively.

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5.1 Mounting the dBadge2
The recommended location for mounting a personal noise exposure meter is normally in a
position close to the ear (10-15cm). The dBadge2 should therefore be mounted on the apex of
the shoulder to avoid reflections from the head which might otherwise affect the
measurements. Consult your local Legislation and Standards for more information.
Upon delivery, the dBadge2 will be fitted with crocodile-style mounting clips on flexible
webbing to aid positioning. The clip assembly simply snaps in place but are designed to ‘fail
safe' i.e. the tab on the black plastic part that mates with the main body of the instrument has
to be lifted (pulled) to remove it (in normal use it would tend to be pressed/pushed).
Should the clip assembly require replacement, hold the dBadge2 with the back uppermost in
one hand and with the other hand simultaneously lift the tab with a finger whilst pulling the clip
away from the dBadge2 body. There is a knack to this operation to deter tampering. A pack of
spare clips (5 pairs) is available (part number DB2CLIPS). When refitting the clip assembly
ensure that the tab is locked by pushing it into place and pull on the clip assembly to check
that it is secured.
A pin attachment (part number CL63) is also available which can be secured directly via the
clip or be attached to the webbing.
It is also possible to attach the dBadge2 to a harness (part number D8147/Z) by feeding the
harness though the blank webbing buckle clip fittings (part number 207073B). For any existing
harness that an employee might already be wearing, use the pin attachment. In addition, the
dBadge2 may be mounted to most hard hats using the mounting kit (part number CEL-6354)

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and safety pins. This consists of a strap with four hooks which loop over the rim of the hard
hat.
5.2 The Microphone & Windscreen
During use, it is essential that the dBadge2 is fitted with the Windscreen (part number
207069B, supplied). The Windscreen protects the microphone from potential erroneous
results due to air movement passing over it but also helps to protect from dust ingress,
moisture or minor impact damage. It will not normally be necessary to remove the microphone
but to do so unscrew anticlockwise. When refitting take care since it has a fine thread and do
not overtighten; finger tight is sufficient.
To calibrate the dBadge2 it is necessary to remove the Windscreen to expose the
microphone. Grip the black plastic body and pull in the direction of the arrow indicated on the
tab of the Windscreen. Do not pull on the foam which may become detached and hence
need replacing (replacement pack of 5, part number DB2WS)
Following calibration (see Section 6.2) refit the Windscreen by aligning the tab with the recess
in the main body of the dBadge2. An audible “click”confirms that it is securely in place.