AIHA University Webinar: Modern Noise Dosimetry: Limits, Misreads, and Better Solutions

Earn 2 Contact Hours

***Registration Opening Soon***

Member $199 | Nonmember $260 | Student $25

Professionals assessing noise exposure increasingly encounter environments where both continuous and impulsive sounds complicate traditional dosimetry. This presentation provides a clear framework for interpreting dosimeter data, understanding the limitations of impulse noise measurement equipment, and applying the appropriate exposure limits in real world scenarios.

The session begins by comparing old school and new school noise dosimetry techniques, highlighting common misunderstandings around dosimeter outputs and how to distinguish meaningful results from misleading ones. As part of this foundation, participants will be reintroduced to the equal energy rule and shown how noise exposure assessment differs fundamentally from sampling for chemicals, dusts, fibers, and fumes—an important distinction often overlooked in hearing conservation work.

Attendees will learn where dosimeters perform well and where they fall short, particularly in capturing impulse and impact noise, and how these limitations affect exposure assessments. The presentation also covers practical solutions for extended shift noise OELs, approaches to hearing protection derating, and challenges unique to assessing high energy impulsive sound.

Real world case examples will be shared, including noise dose data collected during an AIHA local section skeet shooting event. The session will also feature laboratory grade firearm noise testing results from the #1 voted 2024 AIHA Connect PDC, illustrating the complexities of protecting workers who use firearms as part of their job duties.

Learning Objectives
After this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify why impulse and impact sounds must be evaluated separately from continuous noise when assessing risks to employees’ hearing health.
• Analyze the performance limitations of commonly used noise‑measurement hardware—especially dosimeters—when capturing high‑intensity impulse noise.
• Outline and explain the various impulse‑noise exposure limits and apply them appropriately in occupational settings.

Presenters

Chris Robertson, MSPH, CIH, CSP
After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Master of Science in Public Health for Industrial Hygiene, Mr. Robertson has worked for 26+ years as a safety and industrial hygiene professional in multiple industries. He is currently certified in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene (Certificate #9304) by the Board of Global EHS Credentialing and certified in the comprehensive practice of safety (Certificate #21038) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He has personally worked for several industries, including pulp and paper, mining, commercial, energy, state agencies, refineries and chemical plants working both as an owner operator and as a contractor. Mr. Robertson has administered and supervised tens of thousands of industrial hygiene samples. He has mentored over 50 young professionals in the art and practice of industrial hygiene and safety throughout his long career. Mr. Robertson was recognized by AIHA as a Distinguished Lecturer in 2022. Using his extensive experience and knowledge, along with working alongside his colleagues and clients during normal operations and turnarounds, Mr. Robertson has helped employees safely return home and retire healthy.

Rob Agnew, PhD, CIH, CSP, FAIHA
Dr. Agnew has 25+ years of experience in industrial hygiene working in Fortune 200 companies and in academia. His research program focuses on firearm impulse noise including publishing papers and working on standards committees for firearm suppressor testing. He is also an associate editor of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.

**This live event will be administered in our LMS through zoom webinar. Please view our FAQ for additional information.**