Air Monitoring / Exposure Assessment
After selection of the least hazardous materials that meet performance needs, along with implementation of engineering controls and sound work practices, exposure assessments are used to determine their adequacy. For facilities without an established process, a thorough review of Material Safety Data Sheets is usually a key part of this service. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. Qualitative methods alone are often sufficient without actual exposure measurements, based on contaminant characteristics, controls, proximity and duration of potential exposure. Assessments for personal protective equipment can also be a part of this process while generating the written documentation that is required by OSHA.
Air monitoring and other environmental sampling are conducted using NIOSH and OSHA methods when available, supplemented by ASTM and other methods as necessary. Air monitoring is conducted for comparison with established occupational exposure limits such as the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), or employer defined limits. From the regulatory standpoint, respiratory exposure assessments are required by 1998 revisions to the OSHA respiratory protection standard.
Sample analyses are obtained from laboratories accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
- NIOSH Methods
- OSHA Methods
- ASTM methods
- Performance
- Engineering Controls
- Work Practices New/ Reviewed