Hofman Safety and Industrial Hygiene Consulting, Inc.

Air Monitoring

Hofman Safety & Industrial Hygiene conducts industrial hygiene monitoring for air contaminants as one of its core business activities. Hofman owns all typical sampling apparatus including pumps, cyclones, tube holders, welding hood inserts and calibration devices. Media is selected based on the type of contaminant and the analytical method to be used. Sample media is sent to American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accredited laboratories. Sample results are evaluated and compared to regulatory requirements (OSHA) and other recognized guidelines such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH). Sample results are presented in table format to allow easy comparison to the exposure limits. A complete report of findings is prepared for the client, including observations and recommendations as needed or requested. Hofman can also assist with specifications for control options, including engineering and operational controls.

 

Types of Air Sampling

There are two types of air sampling. Personal air sampling is the preferred method used to evaluate worker exposures to airborne contaminants. This is the method used to determine compliance with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.1000, Subpart Z – Toxic and Hazardous Substances).

 

Personal air sampling is conducted using active or passive sampling methods. Active sampling uses an air pump to draw a known volume of air through collection media. Passive sampling uses the natural movement of air across a membrane to collect samples. In both cases the sampling device is attached to the employee within the breathing zone.

 

Area sampling is used to evaluate background concentrations, to locate sources of contamination, and to determine the effectiveness of control measures. This method is conducted by setting the sampling equipment in a fixed position in the work area.

 

What Do We Sample For?

·       Dusts

·       Fumes

·       Smoke

·       Aerosols

·       Mists

·       Gases

·       Vapors         

 

Sampling Media/Devices

There is a wide range of contaminants that can be sampled and no one sampling media/device can be used for all contaminants. Similarly, there is a wide range of sampling media/devices available. The sample media/device is used in conjunction with an air pump and hose to collect samples. The pump is pre- and post-sample calibrated to calculate the volume of air being pulled across or through the sample media. The following are a few of the more common sampling media/devices:

·          Sample Filters

·          Cyclones

·          Sorbent Sample Tubes

·          Impingers