While it’s well-known that work-related hearing loss usually is caused by noise, what isn’t nearly as widely-recognized is that ongoing exposure to some widely used chemicals increases the risk of hearing loss, particularly in noisy workplaces.

Scantek, Inc. has introduced two new noise dosimeters from CESVA, the DC-112a and DC-112k. Both comply with the American standard ANSI S1.25-1991 class 2 and enable the health and safety protection measures of workers against risks arising from exposure to noise, evaluated according to OSHA, MSHA, DoD, ACGIH, and NIOSH. Scantek says. Both instruments allow the use of frequency weightings (A or C), time weighting (F or S), exchange rates (3, 4, 5, or 6) and measure simultaneously using two programmable threshold levels, which means that only one measurement is needed for norms which require a double threshold.
These dosimeters have a high 64 MB of storage capacity for storing the time history of the measurement. The dosimeters allow data downloading and recharging via a USB port, the company says. Through the Projection of Parameters the exposure values (D and TWA) can be obtained without the need to measure for the whole exposure time, Scantek says. The DC-112a is a dosimeter real-time spectrum analyser in octave bands (NRR + Octaves). The DC-112k (NRR) is similar to the DC-112a but without analysis in octave bands, and can be converted into a DC-112a by adding the EF-112a frequency extension module, the company adds.
www.scantekinc.com

The new CutOff Pro headset from MSA protects the ears from loud noises while allowing the wearer to hear conversations face-to-face, says Donna Rentler, the company’s product manager for eye, face and hearing protection. The buttons and the built-in microphone on the ear muff allow users to hear face-to-face conversations with co-workers, Rentler says. CutOff Pro also offers adjustable amplification of weak sounds, suitable for people with impaired hearing, the company says. The product is ideal for use in industries with high impulse noises such as road maintenance, railroad sites and shooting ranges. The CutOff Pro headset has been designed so that the sound level in the ear cups does not go over 82 decibels, Rentler says. It has replaceable hygiene kit for removing and replacing the ear cushions every six months and has a battery life of 1,000 hours.
www.msanet.com

Quest Technologies’ The Edge noise dosimeter is cable-free and lightweight, an offering that’s new and unique to the industry, says Gerry Fleisher, director of North American sales at Quest Technologies. “It is a three-ounce package versus a 14-ounce package and would typically be worn by the user on the shoulder area, taking a lot of the weight off the lower area of the body,” Fleisher says. The Edge functions as a dual dosimeter, which enables user to perform OSHA 80 and OSHS 90 compliance, while allowing user-selectable options, Fleisher says. The Edge also features data logging and time history capability, multi-parameter LCD, a docking station for recharging and data downloading to PC, and supported by QuestSuite Professional II software, the company says. It comes with a built-in fixed microphone and rechargeable lithium polymer battery for longer life between charges.
www.quest-technologies.com

Bruel & Kjaer’s Analyzer Type 2270 is company’s newest hand-held sound level meter designed as an advanced solution for sound and vibration measurement, analysis and recording. Type 2270 comes with an integrated digital camera that lets a user take a picture of the area where sound level is being measured, says Jim Weir, product manager for acoustic transducers and environmental products with Bruel & Kjaer. The camera feature lets users keep track of what’s being measured, without the hassle of having to take notes of which areas have been measured, Weir says. The built-in camera also provides enhanced the measurement reports using photographs of room layouts in building acoustics measurements, floor covering material used in sound insulation testing, residential apartment proximity to main roads for environmental noise assessment or QC tested electric motors in vibration testing, the company says.The unit also features a high-resolution colour touch-screen display for easy access to noise measurement data with just a tap of a finger or the stylus that comes with the unit. The 2270 features two independent measurement channels and the potential to measure broadband parameters with frequency content at two microphone locations, simultaneously, the company says. The unit also has integrated local area network and USB interfaces for fast uploading of measurement data and photographs to a computer.
www.bksv.com

The XTreme headset from Eartec is a dual ear headset that can be worn with most protective headgear, bumpcaps and hardhats, the company says. All Xtreme headsets include patented heptagonal-shaped ear cups and gel-filled ear pads. This model features stainless steel backband and an adjustable over-the-head tension strap for a snug comfortable fit, Eartec says. The XTreme headset is widely used in the construction industry and by pit crew racing teams, the company says.
www.eartec.com

Peltor Communications’ new PowerCom Plus II is a UHF-programmable two-way communication headset, with a frequency range of 430 – 470 MHz and 30 custom programmable channels, the company says. “Now, instead of having a headset that is pre-programmed to unlicensed frequencies we can now program the two-way radio to the various FCC licensed frequencies that an end-user may have in their possession,” explains John Meitner, sales manager for Peltor Communications.  The PowerCom Plus II is an all-in-one communication device that lets the user do away with the heavy handheld radio and its accessories, Meitner says.
www.peltor.com

The new Connect-By-Cable standard and cutoff headsets — also from MSA— is hardwired with a 3.5 mm cable and noise-canceling boom microphone, enabling two-way radio communication with minimal interference, the company says. Like the CutOff Pro, Connect-by-Cable provides hearing protection for high-noise environments while allowing the user to effectively communicate with other people, and has sound level limit of up to 82 decibels. Standard headsets can be connected to an MSA Push-To-Talk or lapel microphone. Cutoff headsets reproduce and amplify sounds, automatically filtering out harmful noise levels and allowing the wearer to hear warning sounds, alarms, and other important information. Both versions are available in either headband or helmet-mounted models. Connect-by-Cable’s Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is third-party certified in accordance with ANSI S3.19-1974, EN352, the company says.
www.msanet.com