The use of personal computers in the calibration of noise dosimeters

Abstract

Personal and handheld computers are used in the acoustical calibration laboratory of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Pittsburgh Health Technology Center. The laboratory was established to calibrate noise dosimeters used by MSHA coal and metal/nonmetal mine inspectors. Equipment was selected to set up new systems and to make existing systems more efficient. Analog signals from some dosimeters are measured by the computer systems and converted to useful information, while other dosimeters come equipped with standard computer interfaces. Programming of the systems was done in‐house. This has two advantages. First, the programmer has constant communication with the eventual end users of the system, which results in better planning. Second, the system can be adapted immediately by anyone familiar with the program, when changes in operating procedures become desirable or necessary. In general, the systems are accurate, prevent time‐consuming mistakes, and can be made to guide the user through the calibration procedure. The installation of computer controlled calibration systems has proven to be successful.