The doseBadge Noise Dosimeter, currently the only IS noise dosimeter for use in Australia, is made from brass ensuring it does not breach underground contraband restrictions.
The compact device is designed to ride on the shoulder of miners during their regular shifts, recording and assessing the workers' exposure to noise in underground conditions.
BMA's Broadmeadow longwall mine is among the first underground mines in Queensland to use the device. BMA senior occupational hygiene and health adviser Jack Farry said information collected by the device would be downloaded at the end of each shift and analysed.
"The data collected by the doseBadge will ensure that suitable hearing protection is selected for use in areas where there are high noise levels," he said.
James Birch, manager of the Engineering, Testing and Certification Centre at Simtars, said the certification covering the Noise doseBadge is recognised across Australia, meaning the device is available immediately for other underground coal mines.
"While the Noise doseBadge is appropriately certified, it is up to each coal mine to determine whether they will use it," he said.
"Although it seems unlikely that they will continue to permit non-IS units to be used when IS ones are available."
