Development of an ultrasound level meter for field use in occupational safety and health

Project No. IFA 4222

Status:

completed 10/2018

Aims:

The growing use of sources of ultrasound in industry is leading to a corresponding increase in the number of workplaces associated with exposure to airborne ultrasound. Standard sound level meters are not suitable for determining the level of this exposure. The purpose of this project was to develop a sound level meter for field use that is suitable for measuring airborne ultrasound, and also sound in the audible range when accompanied by airborne ultrasound.

Activities/Methods:

The entire research and development work of the new meter was supported by the IFA. This included definition and regular review of requirements to be met by the meter and the test procedures, performance of laboratory and field measurements, and finally functional testing of the meter once produced. In addition, a suitable testing and calibration unit for the new meter was created at the IFA.

Results:

A meter is available at the IFA for the measurement of airborne ultrasound at the workplace. Furthermore, a test facility will be put into service at the IFA in the near future that will enable the function of ultrasound level meters in the ultrasonic frequency range to be tested.

Last Update:

17 Jan 2022

Project

Financed by:
  • Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e. V. (DGUV)
Research institution(s):
  • Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA)
  • Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig
Branche(s):

consultancy, planning

Type of hazard:

work-related health hazards

Catchwords:

occupational disease, noise

Description, key words:

airborne ultrasound, occupational safety and health, development of instruments, measurement method, calibration method

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