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Sampling and Analysis |
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Effective and efficient sampling strategies require
planning and foresight to ensure the most productive and thorough evaluation
of contaminants in the workplace. The following references provide
information about chemical sampling.
Survey Protocol
Prior to conducting chemical sampling a survey protocol should be developed. This
protocol serves as a guide in performing the survey. The amount of detail necessary will
depend on the purpose of the survey and to whom the results will be submitted. At a
minimum, the protocol should include the following:
- Purpose of the survey. Why is the survey being conducted and what is
the desired outcome?
Background information such as previous surveys, operational or
equipment changes
should be referenced.
- Where to sample. This identifies expected exposure sites. It is based on where chemicals
are stored, transported, and used at the site, and what ventilation and airflow patterns
exist.
- What to sample. This is based on available information. What are the potential chemical hazards?
- Who to sample. This is based on knowledge of the potential exposure sites and the various job
requirements at the site. What job classifications or specific individuals should be
considered for monitoring? Workers with the greatest potential for exposure must be
included.
- How many samples should be collected. Consider the number of exposure sites, job
classifications, and potential chemical hazards. How many samples are necessary to assess
the various exposure hazards?
- How will the samples be collected and analyzed. After determining the potential hazards,
what published methods are available, and which ones will provide the most meaningful
data. Is there a potential for other chemical hazards in the area and should methods be
considered which may provide screening information?
Chemical Sampling
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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI). OSHA. Presents, in concise form, data on a large number of chemical
substances that may be encountered in industrial hygiene investigations.
- Air Sampling Guides (by Chemical). SKC, Inc.
The following guides provide brief summaries of exposure
limits, sample collection information, and analytical methods.
Sampling Methods
Direct Reading
- Direct reading instruments provide an excellent mechanism to monitor potential
exposures. They allow significant amounts of data to be collected and the workers exposure
profile during operations to be determined. They, also, provide qualitative data relative
to worker exposures. However, they may not provide the necessary specificity, detection
limit, or precision for compliance monitoring or exposure assessment.
Grab (detector tubes, gas bags)
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OSHA Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED
1-0.15A], (1999, January 20). The following
sections of the manual provide useful information about sampling methods:
Passive
Surface Contamination
- Surface
Contamination. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Provides safety and health information related to surface
contamination in the workplace.
Bulk samples
- Bulk samples may be collected and shipped to the laboratory as an aid in assessing
sources of contamination. In order to prevent contamination of personal samples, they
should be kept separate from the personal samples when transporting and packaged in
separate containers when shipping.
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