At Western Health & Safety, Precision is Our Priority

The Crucial Role of Calibration in Industrial Hygiene

In the meticulous world of industrial hygiene, the accuracy of our instruments is not just a requirement but the foundation upon which we protect worker health. Among these instruments, the sound level meter stands out as a pivotal tool for assessing workplace noise levels and implementing necessary controls to prevent hearing loss. However, a question that often arises among professionals in our field is whether an industrial hygienist should use a sound level meter that hasn’t been factory calibrated in over a year, or if it’s acceptable to calibrate it with a primary standard, whose calibration remains valid for another three months.

The Importance of Calibration

Calibration ensures that the measurements taken by a sound level meter are accurate and reliable. Given the critical nature of our work, where even slight inaccuracies can lead to underestimating exposure levels and potentially harmful health outcomes, the significance of calibration cannot be overstated.
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Manufacturer Calibration vs. Field Calibration

Manufacturer Calibration involves sending the instrument back to the manufacturer or a certified lab where it undergoes a comprehensive evaluation and adjustment. This process ensures the meter’s readings are accurate to a standard set by regulatory bodies and industry guidelines.
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FIELD CALIBRATION

Field Calibration, on the other hand, is a simpler process that can be performed by the industrial hygienist using a primary standard, like an acoustic calibrator, which emits a known sound pressure level to verify the sound level meter's accuracy.

Balancing Practicality and Precision

While factory calibration is undeniably the gold standard for ensuring the highest degree of measurement accuracy, it is not always feasible to have instruments calibrated annually as recommended. This is where field calibration steps in as a practical interim solution. If a sound level meter is due for factory calibration but can still be field-calibrated with a primary standard that is within its own calibration period, it can be considered fit for use in the short term.
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Key Considerations for Industrial Hygienists

Key Considerations for Industrial Hygienists

1. Regular Calibration: Emphasize both factory and field calibrations at their recommended intervals to maintain instrument reliability.
2. Compliance with Standards: Ensure that all calibration practices meet the stringent requirements of industry standards and occupational health regulations.
3. Continual Vigilance: Regularly monitor the performance of your equipment. When in doubt, prioritize arranging for factory calibration to guarantee the integrity of your measurements.

The debate between the sufficiency of field calibration versus the necessity of factory calibration underscores a larger principle in industrial hygiene: the uncompromising pursuit of accuracy and reliability in our assessments. By understanding the nuances of calibration practices and adhering to best practices, we can continue to uphold the highest standards in worker health protection.
We invite our readers to share their experiences and insights on calibration practices in the comments below. How do you navigate the calibration requirements of your instruments, and what tips can you offer to fellow professionals in ensuring the continued accuracy of their tools?
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At Western Health & Safety, Precision is Our Priority

​At Western Health & Safety, we understand the critical importance of precision in industrial hygiene. This is why we always ensure that our industrial hygiene equipment, including sound level meters, undergoes rigorous manufacturer calibration. Furthermore, to uphold our commitment to accuracy and reliability, we perform field calibrations with a primary standard both pre-use and post-use. This dual approach guarantees that our assessments are based on the most accurate data possible, reflecting our dedication to protecting worker health through meticulous and reliable measurement practices.