TSI EDGE 5 Personal Noise Dosimeter

Overview

The TSI EDGE 5 Personal Noise Dosimeter is an intrinsically safe, compact, and lightweight data-logging instrument engineered for precise, real-time assessment of occupational noise exposure in accordance with international regulatory frameworks—including OSHA 1910.95, ACGIH TLV®, EU Directive 2003/10/EC, and ISO 9612. Based on the principles of time-weighted average (TWA) and dose accumulation under standardized exchange rates (3 dB, 4 dB, or 5 dB), the EDGE 5 employs a calibrated 1/4″ pre-polarized electret condenser microphone to capture sound pressure levels across a dynamic range of 70–140 dB. Its compliance with IEC 61252 (Personal Sound Exposure Meters) and ANSI S1.25 ensures metrological traceability and repeatability in field-deployed measurements. Designed for continuous wear during full-shift monitoring, the device delivers high-fidelity acoustic data without compromising user mobility or operational safety—even in hazardous locations classified under ATEX Zone 0/1, IECEx, MSHA, or CSA standards.

Key Features

• Intrinsically safe design certified to multiple global hazard-classification schemes: MSHA (USA), CSA (US/Canada), Simtars (IECEx), U.L., and pending ATEX (II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga).
• Three independent, concurrently active dosimetry channels—each configurable with unique threshold (70–90 dB in 1 dB steps), exchange rate, frequency weighting (A/C/Z), and regulatory preset—eliminating the need for sequential surveys or post-hoc data reprocessing.
• High-contrast graphical display showing real-time L_avg, L_eq, L_C–A, peak SPL, SEL (LEP,d), TWA, % dose, overload status, runtime, and customizable ID label—enabling immediate on-site exposure evaluation.
• Field-replaceable 1/4″ electret condenser microphone with integrated fixed-foam windscreen, optimized for consistent response under variable environmental conditions and compliant with IEC 61094-4 mechanical specifications.
• Robust IP65-rated housing constructed from engineering-grade polymer; operational temperature range of –10 °C to +50 °C and storage range up to +60 °C; humidity tolerance up to 95% RH (non-condensing).
• Lithium-polymer battery delivering ≥40 hours of continuous operation without backlight—validated per IEC 62368-1 and designed for stable voltage output across discharge cycle.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EDGE 5 is intended for direct attachment to the worker’s shoulder or lapel, ensuring representative personal exposure measurement per ISO 9612 Annex B and ANSI S1.25 Section 5.2. Its microphone orientation, free-field response correction, and low-frequency roll-off are validated against reference sound sources traceable to NIST and UK’s NPL. The device meets Class 2 performance requirements as defined in IEC 61252:2017 and ANSI S1.25–1991, including linearity, frequency response deviation (±2.0 dB from 63 Hz–8 kHz), and temporal response (Fast/Slow RMS). Regulatory alignment includes full support for OSHA logging thresholds (85 dB TWA, 5 dB exchange rate), ACGIH ceiling limits (115 dB peak), and EU lower/upper action values (80/85 dB). All firmware and calibration constants are protected against unauthorized modification and retain audit-trail integrity for GLP/GMP-aligned environments.

Software & Data Management

Data retrieval and configuration are managed via TSI’s DOSIMETRY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE (DMS), a Windows-based application compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures. DMS enables secure user authentication, role-based access control, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and batch export of exposure metrics—including time-history plots, dose progression curves, and statistical summaries (L₁₀, L₅₀, L₉₀). Calibration history, firmware version logs, and sensor verification timestamps are embedded within each dataset. Memory capacity supports up to 180 hours of minute-interval L_eq or L_avg logging, with automatic overflow protection and timestamp synchronization via EdgeDock cradle interface (SIR protocol). Exported files include metadata required for regulatory submission to OSHA, HSE, or DGUV.

Applications

The EDGE 5 is deployed across high-risk industrial sectors where noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains a leading occupational health concern: oil & gas extraction (offshore platforms, refineries), mining (underground and surface operations), manufacturing (metal stamping, CNC machining), construction (piling, demolition), transportation (rail yard maintenance, airport ground handling), and defense (weapons testing, vehicle maintenance bays). Its intrinsic safety rating makes it suitable for use near flammable vapors, combustible dusts, or explosive atmospheres—where conventional dosimeters would pose ignition risk. Field epidemiologists and occupational hygienists utilize its triple-dose capability to compare exposure profiles across different work tasks, shift rotations, or engineering controls—supporting evidence-based hierarchy-of-controls implementation.

FAQ

Is the EDGE 5 suitable for use in explosive atmospheres?
Yes. It holds active certifications from MSHA, CSA, Simtars (IECEx), and UL for use in Class I, II, III, Division 1/Zone 0/1 hazardous locations.
Can all three dose channels be configured with different standards simultaneously?
Yes—each channel supports independent selection of threshold (70–90 dB), exchange rate (3/4/5 dB), frequency weighting (A/C/Z), and regulatory preset (e.g., OSHA on Channel 1, ACGIH on Channel 2, EU Directive on Channel 3).
Does the device comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
While the EDGE 5 itself does not enforce electronic signature workflows, its companion DMS software provides full Part 11 compliance—including audit trails, electronic signatures, and secure user access management.
What is the calibration interval recommendation?
TSI recommends annual field calibration using an accredited acoustic calibrator (e.g., TSI 4229 or equivalent) traceable to national standards, with functional verification performed before each use per ANSI S1.25 Section 7.3.
Is the microphone replaceable in the field without sending the unit to service?
Yes—the 1/4″ pre-polarized electret condenser microphone is user-replaceable using standard tools, with no recalibration required if using TSI-certified replacement parts (P/N 2520459).