Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ultrasound:
Part II - Industrial & Commercial Applications - Safety Code 24

Foreword

Ultrasound is applied extensively in industry, commerce, the military and the home. Evidence on the harmful health effects of exposure to ultrasound suggests that a cautious approach should be taken in its use. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the safe use of ultrasound in commercial and industrial applications. The recommended safety procedures and protective measures are based upon information provided here on the health effects of both contact and airborne ultrasound exposure. Exposure criteria are given in Table 5 in Section 4.2.1. In addition, some guidance is provided for the measurement of airborne ultrasound in Appendix 1.

A document such as this cannot cover all possible applications or exposure situations. Nor can it substitute for the exercise of sound judgment in unusual circumstances for which the recommendations may need to be modified.

This document was prepared by Stephen Bly and Deirdre Morison, Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices. Technical assistance was provided by Robert Hussey and Judy Zohr.

Helpful reviews and comments, provided on request by the following people, were given careful consideration during the preparation of this document. Their contribution is gratefully acknowledged: E. Callary, D. Johnson and E.G. Létourneau, Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices; H.K. Lee, Occupational Health Unit, Medical Services Branch, Health and Welfare Canada; G.S.K. Wong, Acoustics and Mechanical Standards Section, National Research Council of Canada; D. Novitsky, Occupational Health Branch, Alberta; T.E. Dalgliesh, Department of Health and Fitness, Nova Scotia; K.L. Davies, Department of Health and Community Services, New Brunswick; R.N. Ross, Ministry of Health, British Columbia; M.E. Bitran, Ministry of Labour, Ontario; J. Herbertz, University of Duisburg (W. Germany); F. Dunn, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; B.V. Seshagiri, Occupational Safety and Health Branch, Labour Canada; B. Pathak, Physical Hazards Group, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

The information in this document is provided for guidance only. Should any problems arise on the interpretations of the text, contact:

Non-Ionizing Radiation Section Bureau of Radiation and
Medical Devices Department of National Health and Welfare
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
K1A 0L2