TSI OmniTrak™ Solution Regulatory and Environmental Use

Compliance (SLM specs, HPD analysis)

1. Is the SLM module suitable for regulatory compliance? 
2. What do OSHA HC, OSHA PEL, DOD, ACGIH, and ISO refer to?
3. What's the difference between HML, NRR, and SNR in HPD (hearing protection device) Analysis?
4. Can I change HPD analysis parameters (HML, NRR, SNR) after generating a report?
5. What do the terms average LAS, LASmax, LZpk, and LCeq mean in Report Creator?

Outdoor Use and IP Rating

1. Do the modules have an IP rating?
2. Can the modules be used outdoors?

Calibration Recommendations

1. What is the recommended calibration schedule?

Future Compatibility 

1. Why am I having trouble uding TSI Report Creator with Microsoft Excel®  2019?
2. Will existing modules remain compatible with future Smart Station updates?

 

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Compliance (SLM specs, HPD analysis)

1. Is the SLM module suitable for regulatory compliance? 

   Yes. The module meets IEC 61672, ANSI S1.4, and Class 2 standards, making it appropriate for workplace noise surveys and hearing conservation assessments.

2. What do OSHA HC, OSHA PEL, DOD, ACGIH, and ISO refer to?

   These are industry standards that define measurement parameters and configurations for noise exposure:
   •    OSHA HC – OSHA Hearing Conservation
   •    OSHA PEL – OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit
   •    DOD – U.S. Department of Defense
   •    ACGIH – American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
   •    ISO – International Organization for Standardization
   These presets ensure consistent and compliance measurement configurations.

3. What's the difference between HML, NRR, and SNR in HPD (hearing protection device) Analysis?

   These are different methods for estimating hearing protection effectiveness:
   •    HML (High, Medium, Low) – Common in European standards; evaluates protection across frequency bands.
   •    NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) – U.S. standard for estimating the amount of sound reduction in decibels.
   •    SNR (Single Number Rating) – European equivalent to NRR.
   These values are calculated in TSI Report Creator using the HPD analysis selected.

4. Can I change HPD analysis parameters (HML, NRR, SNR) after generating a report?

   No.  The parameters are locked once the report is generated.  To change the analysis method, re-run the report in Report Creator with a different HPD selection.

5. What do the terms average LAS, LASmax, LZpk, and LCeq mean in Report Creator?

   •    Lavg (Average LAS) – Time-weighted average of A-weighted sound levels.  Sound below a threshold (if set) is excluded.
   •    LASmax – Maximum A-weighted sound level recorded.
   •    LZpk – Peak sound level using Z-weighting (flat frequency response).
   •    LCeq – Equivalent continuous sound level with C-weighting; often used in industrial or impulse noise analysis.
   Note: Because sound is measured in decibels (a logarithmic scale), averages are not calculated through simple arithmetic.
    

Outdoor Use and IP Rating

1. Do the modules have an IP rating?

   No, the modules do not currently have an IP rating.

2. Can the modules be used outdoors?

   The OmniTrak Solution is designed and recommended for indoor uses at this time.  However, it could be used outdoors under favorable conditions.  The modules cannot withstand rain or high wind and should not be used in poor weather.

Calibration Recommendations

1. What is the recommended calibration schedule?
   
   For factory calibration:
   o    Gas sensors: Factory calibrate annually
   o    PM sensors: Factory calibration is not currently offered.  These sensors go through a pre-calibrated process by the sensor manufacturer.

   Sound Level Meter module:  Factory calibration annually.
   For in-field calibration:
   o    Sound Level Meter module:  Calibration is recommended before and after each study.  The TSI 7590-80 calibrator is compliant with IEC 60942 and ANSI standards.  The OmniTrak module automatically detects the calibrator and logs the calibration level, date, and time.  Post-calibration drift is calculated and can be included in downloaded reports.
    

Future Compatibility 

1. Why am I having trouble uding TSI Report Creator with Microsoft Excel®  2019?

   For best performance, TSI Report Creator requires Microsoft Excel 2021 or later (2021 or 2024 versions recommended).
   While Excel 2019 may still function in some cases, it is not fully supported and can lead to issues with formatting, macros, or advanced features. Additionally, Microsoft has announced that Excel 2019 will reach end of support on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
   Tip: If you're limited to Excel 2019, the online version of Excel (via Microsoft 365) often provides better compatibility with Report Creator features.
    

2. Will existing modules remain compatible with future Smart Station updates?

   Yes.  All current modules are designed to remain compatible with ongoing firmware and software updates to the OmniTrak platform, unless a hardware change becomes necessary.