3M eg4 User Manual

3M Personal Safety Division

3M™ The Edge Personal Noise Dosimeter

The Edge

MODELS eg3 and eg4

models eg4

User Manual

i Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................... 1

Dosimetry ........................................................................................ 1

Noise dosimeter ............................................................................................ 2

Range of sound ............................................................................................. 3

What do the standards say? ........................................................................... 3

Applications of the Edge ................................................................................ 4

Noise assessment steps ................................................................................. 5

The Edge Model ............................................................................................ 6

Virtual dosimeters……………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Getting started ................................................................................ 7

Checking the equipment ................................................................. 7

Turning on ....................................................................................... 8

LED indicator................................................................................................. 8

Navigating 9

Turning off ....................................................................................... 9

Display and key pad ....................................................................... 10

Diagram .......................................................................................................10

3MTMDetection Mang e me nt So ftw are (D MS ) ................................. 11

Loading .......................................................................................................11

Docking stati on functionali ty ........................................................ 11

Docking station components .........................................................................12

EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5 .............................................................................12

Powering EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5...............................................................13

Charging your dosimeter ...............................................................................14

Mounting the docking station to a wall ...........................................................15

Storing the dosimeter ...................................................................................15

053-644, Rev H Page i eg4

Table of Contents

Chapter 3: Setting-up the Edge via DMS ...................................... 16

Noise studies ................................................................................. 16

Understanding what data is s tored .............................................. 16

Summary data ..............................................................................................17

Time history…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Views on the Edge ......................................................................... 18

Definitions of data log values and views .........................................................19

Docking .......................................................................................... 22

Communicating & downloading data ..............................................................22

Customizing set-up parameter s in DMS ........................................ 23

Dosimeter setting .........................................................................................24

Edge dosimeter settings……………………………………………………………………………………25

Display setting .............................................................................................26

Security setting ............................................................................................27

Auto Run setting ..........................................................................................28

Firmware update ..........................................................................................29

Saving and sending/setting configura tions .....................................................30

Running and operating your dosimeter ......................................... 31

Overview of running a study ......................................................... 31

Positioning the Edge on your shirt .................................................................32

Windscreen and maintenance ........................................................................32

Checking battery power ................................................................................33

Calibrating ...................................................................................................34

Resetting the dosimeter ................................................................................35

Setting contrast on dosimeter .......................................................................36

Running studies ............................................................................. 37

Starting a run ...............................................................................................37

053-644, Rev H Page ii eg4

Table of Contents

iii

Stopping a st udy............................................................................ 38

Indicators/Icons on the display ......................................................................38

Viewing measurements on the display ......................................... 39

Locking or securing your dosimeter during run ...............................................39

Locking or Securing ......................................................................................40

Unlocking .....................................................................................................40

Downloading data ........................................................................................41

Viewing data and data finder page ................................................................43

Report View .................................................................................................44

Panel Layout View(charts/graphs) .................................................................45

Quick tips with panels (charts/graphs)……………………………………………………………….45

Technical Support ......................................................................... 46

LED indicator: disable/enable .......................................................................46

Replacing microphone and windscreen ........................................ 47

Attaching/Detaching .....................................................................................47

Hard Hat Attachment Kit .............................................................. 48

Appendix A: SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 49

Standards ...................................................................................... 49

Mechanical characteristics .......................................................... 49

Electrical characterist ics ............................................................. 50

Battery ........................................................................................................50

Environmental effects ................................................................... 50

Temperature ................................................................................................50

User Interface ............................................................................... 50

Display ........................................................................................................50

Keypad ........................................................................................................50

EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 .......................................................... 51

053-644, Rev H Page iii eg4

Table of Contents

Physical attributes of EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 ...........................................51

Measurements ............................................................................... 52

Types ..........................................................................................................52

Measurement parameters .............................................................................52

Communications ...........................................................................................53

Special functions ..........................................................................................53

Edge Block Diagram ...................................................................... 54

Edge Block Diagram (continued) .................................................. 55

3M Quest Service .......................................................................... 57

Contacting 3M Que st Technologies ................................................................57

International customers ................................................................................57

Warranty ........................................................................................ 57

Appendix B: Gl ossary of Terms .................................................... 58

INDEX………………………………………………………………………………….66

053-644, Rev H Page iv eg4

List of Figures

Figure 1-1: The Edge and dosimetry .................................................................................................. 1

Figure 1-2: Illustration of how the dosimeter o perates and processes .................................................. 2

Figure 1-3: Parameter setup screen for eg4 ....................................................................................... 6

Figure 2-1: Identifying your equipment .............................................................................................. 7

Figure 2-2: Powered on with measurement view displayed .................................................................. 8

Figure 2-3: Edge Keypad .................................................................................................................. 10

Figure 2-4: EdgeDock1 .................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 2-5: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug adapter ........................................................ 12

Figure 2-6: Attaching charger adapter to EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 ................................................. 13

Figure 3-1: Edge setup and retrieve data buttons in DMS ................................................................... 16

Figure 3-2: Sample summary data from DMS reporting ...................................................................... 17

Figure 3-3: Sample time history data (or logged data) char t ............................................................... 17

Figure 3-4: Communicating - connecting a docked Edge to a pc ......................................................... 22

Figure 3-5: New Hardware wizard for Edge Dock ............................................................................... 23

Figure 3-6: Dosimeter screen ........................................................................................................... 24

Figure 3-7: Edge display screen ........................................................................................................ 26

Figure 3-8: Edge security setting ...................................................................................................... 27

Figure 3-9: Edge auto run screen ..................................................................................................... 28

Figure 3-10: Edge firmware update screen .......................................................................................... 29

Figure 3-11: Saving and sending Edge setups ..................................................................................... 30

Figure 4-1: Quick help list for running a study ................................................................................... 31

Figure 4-2: Positioning/Attaching the Edge ........................................................................................ 32

Figure 4-3: Battery indicators ........................................................................................................... 33

Figure 4-4: Calibrating ..................................................................................................................... 34

Figure 4-5: Splash screen ................................................................................................................. 35

Figure 4-6: Resetting the Edge from the keypad ................................................................................ 35

Figure 4-7: Changing the contrast from the keypad ........................................................................... 36

Figure 4-8: Display screen while running ........................................................................................... 37

Figure 4-9: Measurement view on the Edge ...................................................................................... 39

Figure 4-10: Locking/Securing run ...................................................................................................... 40

Figure 5-1: Communicating between your pc and the Edge ................................................................ 41

Figure 5-2: DMS start screen ............................................................................................................ 42

Figure 5-3: Downloading with the Edge models eg3/eg4 .................................................................... 42

Figure 5-4: Recent downloaded data ................................................................................................ 43

Figure 5-5: Data Finder page with the downloaded data .................................................................... 43

Figure 6-1: Microphone and windscreen assembly ............................................................................. 47

List of Tables

Table 2-1: LED indicators explained .................................................................................................. 9

Table 2-2: EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 components .......................................................................... 12

Table 3-1: Dosimeter views and definitions ...................................................................................... 19

Table 3-2: Dosimeter measurement descriptors/variants ................................................................... 21

Table 4-1: Indicators (i.e., run, stop, battery, and OL) ...................................................................... 38

053-644, Rev H Page v eg4

1 Dosimetry

CHAPTER

Chapter 1: Introduction

Dosimetry

Measuring noise in the workplace is an important element of hearing conservation programs and noise reduction programs. With a noise dosimeter, you can assess and determine a worker’s daily exposure to noise levels. This information can be used to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies or to ensure if hearing conservation programs are needed.

To get you started quickly with the Edge, the first chapter is dedicated to introducing basic noise dosimetry terms and information. The subsequent chapters will guide you through setting up the dosimeter, running studies, and assessing your results with easy to follow steps and illustrations.

Figure 1-1: The Edge and dosimetry

053-644, Rev H Page 1 eg4

Dosimetry

Mic & Preamp

Range control (70-140dB)

Apply filters (A or C weighting)

Measurement

Fast/Slow Response

File storage system

Calculator Clock

DMS – Manage, setup and report

Noise dosimeter

What is a noise dosimeter and how does it compute measurements? Essentially, a noise dosimeter is composed of the following: a microphone with a preamplifier, a weighted network, fast or slow response time, an internal clock, calculator, and memory to store logged data.

The illustration below is a diagram of a basic noise dosimeter. The microphone will, when exposed to a sound pressure, generate an electrical signal. The signal will be increased by a preamplifier, and then is regulated to an applicable level by the range control (dB range). The signal then goes through a filter set or weighting system. The next circuit is the response circuit, which controls the dampening of the readout. The response choices are typically Slow or Fast. Finally, the results will display on the dosimeter screen.

For computation and storage, the clock tracks the sampling time. Dosimeters record how long sound levels exceeded a set upper limit. The calculator computes an L-avg, a dose, a TWA, and other data. The memory stores all times, calculations, and measurements.

For post-processing, DMS is used to view and analyze your measurement results with the option to view and/or print reports.

Figure 1-2: Illustration of how the dosimeter operates and processes

053-644, Rev H Page 2 eg4

results on the Edge

Dosimetry

Range of sound

Sound pressure is measured in decibels, or tenths of a Bel. Sound pressure level is indicated as dB SPL. Since the human ear can detect sounds with an extensive range of amplitude, a decibel scale is used to simplify the measurement results. For example, the ratio between the threshold of hearing and threshold of pain in the human ear if measured in true energy is 10,000,000 times! The same range using the dB scale is 0 - 140 dB referenced to 20 µPa (Micropascals).

The quietest sound that humans can hear has an amplitude of approximately 0 dB. Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels exceeding 85 dB can cause permanent damage to the ear. Sound levels in excess of 130 dB are more than the human ear can safely withstand and can result in serious pain and permanent damage.

What do the standards say?

Many organizations have studied and analyzed the effects of high sound exposure on hearing. As a result, standards were developed to regulate personal noise exposure. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine and Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have all created regulations and limitations on total permissible noise exposure. International standards are specified by the health and safety regulations such as the European Union (EU) Directive 2003/10/EC. Additionally, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC-61252 has specific guidelines and regulations to monitor noise in the workplace.

To access these copyrighted standards, please refer to the following:

• OSHA -

• MSHA-

• NIOSH -

• ACGIH - http://www.acgih.org/

• IEC -

http://www.osha.gov http://www.msha.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise

http://www.iec.ch

053-644, Rev H Page 3 eg4

Dosimetry

Time history: manufacturing

Peak Measurement

Applications of the Edge

The Edge has a cable-free, mounted microphone that converts sound pressure into an electrical signal. This signal is conditioned, monitored, and integrated over time in order to provide a host of automatically calculated values that can be used in occupational and environmental noise assessments. Programmable parameters permit the Edge to serve many applications. The Edge can be used in the following applications:

 As a personal noise dosimeter - Used to measure a worker's

 As a time-history monitor- Used to provide a worker's minute-by-

 As a survey monitor

: 121.20 dB

 As a peak dosimeter- Used to detect the highest level of

daily exposure to noise levels. This information can be used to ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA, ACGIH, IEC, or your own customized parameter settings to determine if your workers are over-exposed to noise.

minute noise exposure levels. This data can help you identify major contributors to the average daily noise exposure.

1. Throughout a plant/facility – used to oversee noise levels throughout an entire facility. You can identify machines and equipment which produce harmful noise levels.

2. Specific areas in a plant/facility- used to identify key areas as “noisy” and implement noise control options. Employees may be exposed to unacceptable noise levels.

instantaneous sound pressure.

053-644, Rev H Page 4 eg4

Dosimetry

1. Perform a task-based work flow analysis of unacceptable “noisy” areas and list

3. Running your studies.

4. View your results via DMS.

5. Develop corrective actions.

2. Setting-up your dosimeter parameters for your noise studies.

Noise assessment steps

regulations/codes you will follow.

 Observe facility/areas and jot down areas of concern  Check with standards and noise ordinance regulations in your region/city.



 Customize measurement setup (i.e., criterion level, threshold, weighting,

exchange rate, etc.)

 See chapter 2 for getting started with your dosimeter  See Chapter 3 for customizing your set-up parameters  See Chapter 6 for Noise study scenarios

 Calibrate dosimeter  Attach the dosimeter  Run, observe, and stop your studies  Understand display indicators

 See Chapter 4 “Running and operating the Edge”

See Chapter 1 for basic information on dosimetry and standards

 Working with Charts and Graphs  Organizing and saving your studies

 See Chapter 5 to view measurements with Detection Management Software DMS

 Engineering: redesign tools, implement changes in workstation  Administrative: job sharing/rotations, redefinition of job functions, reduce duration

operating tool/equipment, and/or implement medical surveillance

053-644, Rev H Page 5 eg4

Dosimetry

The Edge Model

The “eg4” model features two virtual dosimeters with data logging. Once the parameters are set and saved in the dosimeter, you can monitor two different dosimeters by a single press of the Enter key. This will toggle you between the two dosimeters. The “eg3” model is equipped with one dosimeter setting and will not data log (older model no longer available).

Figure 1-3: Parameter setup screen for eg4

Virtual dosimeters

You can monitor and log noise studies by enabling two different parameter settings in one dosimeter, also referred to as “virtual dosimeters”. For instance, you may want to set one dosimeter to log using the OSHA HC (Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Hearing Conversation) parameters and also monitor noise with the OSHA PEL (Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Permissible Exposure Level) settings.

A few scenarios of virtual dosimeters include:

• Industrial noise control

• Hearing conservation compliance

• Work site assessments

• Personal noise verification

• Military applications

• Regulatory compliance (i.e., OSHA, MSHA, IEC, ACGIH)

053-644, Rev H Page 6 eg4

Checking the equipment

CHAPTER

Edge model eg4

attached

USB cable- connects

EdgeDock1

**Universal charger

station)

Extra windscreen for

EdgeDock5

DMS software

The Edge Model

Getting started

This chapter is designed to guide you through basic information you will need to begin

Checking the equipment

logging your studies.

If your instrument was sent to you in a storage case, you will want to remove all the packaging and acquaint yourself with the following equipment so you can quickly get started with your noise studies.

NOTE: Depending on the accessories you selected, the dosimeter may have the following components. For the docking stations, you will either have an EdgeDock1 or an EdgeDock5. (For more information on parts/accessories, please refer to www.3m.com/detection.)

• microphone and windscreen attached

• mounting clasps

• Optional feature

microphone

Figure 2-1: Identifying your equipment

EdgeDock to the PC

adapter (Power supply cord for the docking

053-644, Rev H Page 7 eg4

Turning on

View LED Indicator

Battery indicator icon

battery power (approx.50+ hours)

LED indicator

Turning on

1. To turn on the Edge, press the on/off and enter button.  The Edge splash screen (see Figure 2-3 for an example, page 10) will appear

indicating the model (i.e. “eg4”) and firmware version. The screen will be in the measurement view.

LED indicator

There is a three-color LED indicator on the Edge, located to the right of the 3M logo which includes Red, Amber, and Green.

If icon is fully shaded, this indicates full

Displays measurement values, battery information, and calibration information

Figure 2-2: Powered on with measurement view displayed

053-644, Rev H Page 8 eg4

Turning off

The EDGE LED indicator

Explanation

Red

A flashing red LED indicates the dose has exceeded the alarm level.

Amber

A flashing amber LED indicates the dosimeter is stopped and has not exceeded the dose alarm level.

Green

A flashing green LED indicates the dosimeter is running and has not exceeded the dose alarm level.

LED indicator

 NOTE: The LED indicator can be disabled via DMS (see section, “Dose indicator LED”

page 25).

Table 2-1 identifies when and why the LED indicator color will appear.

Table 2-1: LED indicators explained

Navigating

Once the dosimeter is “Powered-On”, press the up/down arrows to navigate through the measurement values and battery run time.

Turning off

1. Press and hold the on/off and enter button.

• “3, 2, and 1” countdown will appear as the dosimeter is powered off.

 NOTE: To halt the power off mode, simply let go of the on/off enter button.

053-644, Rev H Page 9 eg4

Display and keypad

Display (Splash screen shown)

Up Arrow

display/screen views

On/Off and Enter

Down arrow

Run and Stop LED indicator

 Green – dosimeter measuring

Windscreen and microphone

Diagram

Display and keypad

The keypad is used to run and stop your studies, view your measurement values, and power on and off the dosimeter.

Diagram

The following diagram explains the features on the display and keypad.

Figure 2-3: Edge Keypad

 Red – indicates dose exceeded the alarm level  Amber – dosimeter stopped

 View data and various indicators

 Used to scroll through

 Used to power On/Off the meter.  Used to switch between (toggle)

dosimeter one and dosimeter two measurements and settings.

 Used to activate meter when running or

logging measurements.

 Used to Stop your noise study.

 Used to scroll through

display/screen views

053-644, Rev H Page 10 eg4

3MTMDetection Mangement Software (DMS)

Charging Indicator

Loading

3MTMDetection Mangement Software (DMS)

3MTM Detection Management Software (DMS) is a software application designed by 3M that runs under the Windows operating system. You can use DMS for a variety of functions related to the Edge dosimeter and with many other 3M instruments. DMS has the ability to customize your set-up parameters, display data, manipulate data, and create reports.

To load DMS, follow the screen prompts. It will automatically load the drivers for the EdgeDock1 and/or EdgeDock5. If loading from

the 3M detection Internet site, please follow the directions online located: www.3m.com/detection or www.dms.com/detection.

Docking station functionality

Depending on the kit you purchased, you may have an EdgeDock1 and/or an EdgeDock5. Both are designed similarly with the same LED indicators. The main difference with the EdgeDock5 is that it has five bays for docking, charging, and/or managing the dosimeters. If desired, the EdgeDock5 will charge all docked instruments at one time.

The docking station serves a dual-purpose role:

1. It is used to charge the battery on the dosimeter(s).

2. It is used to communicate between the software (DMS) and the dosimeter (i.e., import, export settings and measurement files).

Power Indicator

Charge contacts Power connector USB connector

Figure 2-4: EdgeDock1

053-644, Rev H Page 11 eg4

Docking station functionali ty

Docking station

Explanation

Charging indicator

Identifies if the dosimeter is “charging” or “fully charged”. A red blinking LED

indicator.)

Power indicator

A red LED indicates the docking station is powered on.

Power connector

Attach the power connector cable to the docking station in order to charge the dosimeter(s).

USB connector

Attach the USB connector to communicate with the dosimeter(s).

Charge Contacts

Placing the dosimeter (s) onto the charge contacts allows charging and communication.

B. Slide plug adapter into the crevices of base

A. Charger adapter

Docking station components

The table below explains the EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5 LED indicators, power connector, USB connector, and contact pins.

Table 2-2: EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 components

EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5

The EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5 are powered by a 12-volt charger adapter. Figure 2-5 illustrates the assembly of the charger adapter and the plug adapter. It slides into

place by guiding it down the back cavity (opening) of the power supply.

• NOTE: the example is a typical adapter which may be different than the one you are using. Mechanically, it will function s imilarly.

indicates the dosimeter is charging. A solid green LED equates to a fully charged dosimeter. (Note the charging indicator is the first, or top, LED

Figure 2-5: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug adapter

053-644, Rev H Page 12 eg4

Docking station functionality

EdgeDock1 LED indicator Charger adapter cord

Powering EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5

 Powering EdgeDock1 or EdgeDock5

1. Assemble the charger adapter and plug adapter as illustrated in Figure 2-5. (It will be the same process for an EdgeDock5.)

2. Plug the charger adapter directly into the wall (electrical wall plate).

3. Plug the opposite end into the power connector (or jack) of the EdgeDock1.

 NOTE: a light, solid red light will appear indicating power to the charger.

Figure 2-6: Attaching charger adapter to EdgeDock1 and EdgeDock5

Amber indicates “ON”.

053-644, Rev H Page 13 eg4

Docking station functionality

Open cavity & contacts

Docking station LED

Hook Contacts

Backside of Edge

EdgeDock1

Dosimeter LED dock

3 Docked

Charging your dosimeter

The number of hours you have used your dosimeter from your last charge will impact your total

charge time. For example, if the battery clock indicator (see “Checking the battery power” for more information) displays 20 hours remaining on the battery and you wish to charge the battery, the approximate charging time is 2 hours.

To charge a fully discharged battery, allow approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of charge time.

 How to charge

1. Plug in the power adapter to the EdgeDock. (See Figure 2-6, page 13.)

• When powered on, the EdgeDock bottom LED indicator will appear solid amber.

2. Slide the Edge (1) downward onto the Hook of the EdgeDock. (See Figure 2-7 below).

 NOTE: When the dosimeter is docked, the top LED indicator on the base will be

illuminated. A red flashing LED indicates it is charging. A green solid LED indicates a fully charged battery.

Figure 2-7: Docking the Edge with a single and 5-bay docks

Slides into “Hook” of EdgeDock. The contacts will align to each other.

053-644, Rev H Page 14 eg4

Docking station functionality

Screw slots

Mounting the docking station to a wall

The docking station is equipped with two single screw slots in case you wish to mount the docking station to the wall. The figure below displays the backside of the single bay dock.

Figure 2-8: Backside of EdgeDock1

Storing the dosimeter

To preserve the life of the battery, it is suggested that the dosimeter is turned off when you are storing the dosimeter.

Additionally, if the dosimeter is docked and stored on the docking station when it is powered off, it will still draw a small amount of battery power from the dosimeter. Thus, it is recommended to store the dosimeter(s) separately from the docking station.

Used to mount to a wall

053-644, Rev H Page 15 eg4

Understanding what data is stored

CHAPTER

Family:

Edge model

Setup:

Download panel

Noise studies

Chapter 3:Setting-up the Edge via DMS

Noise studies

The eg4 model comes equipped with two customizable user setups. The eg3 model has one customizable user setup. You have the option to customize the parameters for threshold values, exchange rate values, an upper limit value, and a criterion level.

This chapter explains data storage, the pre-set views on the dosimeter, and how to customize the parameters and display of your Edge via DMS. It concludes with an

Noise Dosimeters

explanation of downloading data from the dosimeter to the software.

Figure 3-1: Edge setup and retrieve data buttons in DMS

Select to access the acoustic family

Understanding what data is stored

When you are running noise dosimetry studies, there are two types of data stored on the dosimeter which include the summary data and time history (or Logged) data.

053-644, Rev H Page 16 eg4

Understanding what data is stored

Summary data

Summary data represents values that occurred over the entire run of the study. For an average value, such as Lavg, it represents the average decibel value over the entire run time. Peak and Max values are the highest measurements that occurred throughout the run time.

Figure 3-2: Sample summary data from DMS reporting

Time history

Time history data is also referred as “logged data” which plots measurement values in minute by minute intervals.

Time History data represents values that occurred over the most recent time period, which is the logging interval. For example, if the log interval is 1 minute, then the Peak value is the highest Peak value for that 1 minute, and the Lavg value is the average dB value for that 1 minute.

Figure 3-3: Sample time history data (or logged data) chart

053-644, Rev H Page 17 eg4

+ 52 hidden pages