PDC 450: Firearm Impulse Noise Measurement Workshop

CM Credit Hours: 7 

This hands-on workshop will involve classroom learning on the fundamentals of impulse noise with a particular emphasis on measurement and dose calculations. Several types of instrumentation will be used to measure the impulse waveforms from suppressed and unsuppressed firearms using subsonic and supersonic ammunition. Several standards will be explored including MIL-STD-474E, OSHA, ACGIH, and AHAAH. Participants will engage in live fire exercises at a nearby shotgun venue and evaluate noise at the shooter's ear and from a bystander's perspective using standard industrial hygiene dosimeters as well as specialized laboratory grade systems. This PDC is particularly applicable for occupational hygienists responsible for hearing conservation programs for military and law enforcement personnel.

*Registration includes boxed luncheon. **Power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, laptop charging stations will be provided in each course room. This PDC will occur off-site at a local firing range. Transportation to and from the Kansas City Convention Center and the range will be provided. The time duration noted for this PDC includes transportation time.

• Fundamentals of Impulse Noise
• Fundamentals of Firearm Noise
• Instrumentation
• Instrument Demonstration and Practice Calculations
• Hands-on Data Collection on the Test Range
• Data Analysis
• Summary
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Select appropriate equipment for the evaluation of impulse noise.
• Analyze impulse waveforms.
• Calculate the Maximum Permissible Exposures (MPE) for impulse noise.
• Explain how the components of firearm noise contribute to noise dose.
• Communicate the risks of firearm noise to firearm users. 

Attendees will gain new skills in evaluating impulse noise that are not normally covered in standard courses on occupational noise. 

Accurate measurement of impulse noise is quite difficult and requires specialized equipment. This PDC will prepare attendees to specify needed equipment and to make the business case for its application and use in military and LEO environments, as well as in industries with mixed impulse and gaussian noise such as construction and metal fabrication. 

Intermediate

None

Government/Military

All Industries

Communication and Training

Noise/Hearing Loss Prevention

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Practice exercises