The CTEH® industrial hygiene staff performs both qualitative and quantitative surveys in order to evaluate worker exposures to hazardous materials in the workplace. A quantitative evaluation generally involves a measurement of the hazard through personnel monitoring and/or sampling. A qualitative evaluation includes a reasonable determination of a worker exposure (without monitoring) based on characteristics of the contaminant (toxicity, chemical properties, etc.) as well as other factors including proximity to the hazard, controls, and duration of exposure. CTEH® industrial hygienists rely on the information in the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other available resources to determine the potential risks associated with the worker exposures.
CTEH® conducts personnel and area air monitoring/sampling surveys for potential air contaminants using state-of-the-art equipment and approved methodology. Area air monitoring/sampling is performed to identify sources and assess the ambient concentrations of a contaminant compared to background levels. Personnel air monitoring/sampling measures the concentration of a contaminant in the breathing zone and is a more accurate representation of a worker’s actual exposure. The purpose of these surveys is to determine worker exposures to potential air contaminants and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
CTEH® industrial hygienists have conducted air monitoring/sampling surveys for numerous air contaminants at a wide range of industrial facilities. A partial list of common air contaminants evaluated during these surveys is listed below:
