17 Jun WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT?
Click here to view a PDF of a typical sampling report. Compose a two page analysis that addresses the following questions:
1. What is the purpose of the exposure assessment?
2. Why was the exposure assessment conducted?
3. What type of sampling (personal or area) was conducted, and why?
4. What are the chemicals that were sampled, and what are their hazards?
5. What are the most likely routes of exposure given the nature of the business?
6. Describe the sampling equipment and methods used to collect the sample.
7. Provide an overview of the results, including an explanation of the “additive formula,” and discuss them in relation to the applicable exposure limit.
8. Were there any off-normal or unplanned incidents relative to sample collection?
9. Provide a summary of the recommendations made by Sam “IH” Sampler.
10. Comment on the thoroughness of the study. Did you feel that the exposure assessment was comprehensive? If not, what additional information would you provide?
11. Comment on who the target audience would be for this report. If you were the plant director of ACME Printing, would you be comfortable with sharing this with an auditor from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)? Do you have any concerns related to sharing this with your employees?
In addition to addressing the listed questions, you should consider using additional background materials to support your analysis. Materials should be cited using APA formatting style to include in-text citations and a reference list. You should also paraphrase information obtained from outside sources; that is, use your own words. Do not simply cut and paste materials from outside sources. Limit directly quoted materials to no more than three to five sentences for the entire case study overview, and always use quotation marks for direct quotes of outside sources.
February 4, 2013
Mr. Bob Johnson
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
100 Main Street
Happy Valley, Washington 70001
SUBJECT: ANNUAL AIR SAMPLING SURVEY
Dear Mr. Johnson:
The subject report is attached and discusses the results of the air sampling survey I conducted on December 13th at the ACME Printing Corporation facility in Happy Valley, WS. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate personal exposures to select components of commonly used chemicals associated with the ACME printing process. An additional sample was collected to assess ambient concentrations of ozone. A discussion of relevant exposure limits is included.
If there are any comments or questions, call me at 720/123-4567.
Thank you.
Signature Here
Sam “IH” Sampler
Industrial Hygienist
1234 1st Street
Gilbert, WS 70002
720/123-4567
2012 ANNUAL AIR SAMPLING REPORT
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
February 4, 2013
Sampling Conducted By:
Sam “IH” Sampler
Industrial Hygienist
1234 1st Street
Gilbert, WS 70002
720/123-4567
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ACME Printing Corporation has had an active air sampling program in place for several years. Air sampling was conducted to assess personal exposures to select components of commonly used chemicals associated with the printing process. An additional sample was collected to assess ambient concentrations of ozone. A total of five personal samples were collected and analyzed for ink components; one area sample was collected and analyzed for ozone. Sampling was conducted in accordance with established procedures with results being compared to two relevant exposure limits. Personal samples ranged from 14.8 – 59.0% of the calculated additive Permissible Exposure Limit (i.e. n-propanol and n-propyl acetate combined). The results are in general agreement with samples taken in previous years. The area sample result for ozone was deemed insignificant after it was determined that the lamination process was non-operational the day of the study. Recommendations are made to share results with affected personnel, continue the annual sampling survey and conduct another ozone study.
BACKGROUND
The printing industry uses a variety of inks, solvents and adhesives that have chemical constituents deemed hazardous according to definitions established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Federal regulations require employers to evaluate employee exposures to select substances and assure that airborne concentrations do not exceed 8-hour, time-weighted averages known as Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). Employee exposures below PELs are not expected to cause adverse health effects in a majority of a healthy working population.
To evaluate exposures, ACME Printing has been conducting air sampling on an annual basis for several years. Previous year’s results have generally shown personal sampling results at or below 50% of the applicable PEL. Area samples in high traffic areas near production units have shown levels below PELs. Additional process-specific studies have also been conducted and have shown localized areas where ambient concentrations exceed the applicable PEL. However, given the highly variable nature of work activities, workers do not occupy these areas for enough time to reach the PEL. Finally, air sampling surveys have been conducted that characterize short-duration, potentially high exposure activities. These studies showed ambient vapor concentrations near the associated OSHA short term exposure limit but concluded that the infrequent nature of the activity and the “worst case” design used for the study resulted in low worker exposure potential.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS & EXPOSURE POTENTIAL
A review of current chemical usage shows that inks and adhesives are two of the most commonly used chemical materials across the plant. A review of the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for a typical ink and adhesive used shows two primary ingredients: n-propyl alcohol (n-propanol) and n- propyl acetate. A brief hazard review and exposure assessment is as follows:
Chemical Name
CAS#
Primary Route(s) of Exposure
Health Hazard
Exposure Potential
n-propyl alcohol
71-23-8
inhalation, dermal absorption
irritation eyes, nose, throat; dry cracking skin; drowsiness, headache; ataxia, gastrointestinal pain; abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Chemical used daily; inhalation is likely based on usage; skin contact is minimized via use of gloves.
n-propyl acetate
109-60-4
inhalation, dermal absorption
irritation eyes, nose, throat; narcosis; dermatitis
Chemical used daily; inhalation is likely based on usage; skin contact is minimized via use of gloves.
Source: Centers for Disease Control (2011) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide. Retrieved April, 2014 at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
To evaluate exposure potential, ACME Printing Corporation has been conducting air sampling on an annual basis for several years. Previous year’s results have generally shown personal sampling results at or below 50% of the applicable PEL. Several other exposure studies have been conducted on a process-specific basis and have also documented low worker exposure potential. However, given the variable nature of the business, ACME Printing Corporation has taken a prudent approach of documenting worker exposures on an annual basis.
SAMPLING STRATEGY
A sampling strategy was devised in consultation with the Plant Director. In addition to the organic constituents routinely included in past annual surveys, an area sample was collected for ozone. Ozone is a by-product of the lamination process and has been of interest to plant personnel recently. The following samples were collected for this year’s study:
Personal Sample – Josh, W&H 3 – n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Jake, W&H 2 – n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Percy, Vision – n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Mike, Pre-Press – n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Ronnie, W&H 3 – n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Area Sample – Laminator Work Station – ozone
SAMPLING METHODOLOGY
A total of 5 personal air samples and 1 area sample were collected. Air sampling was conducted using a sampling pump and appropriate filter media provided by the analytical lab contracted for the project. Pumps were operated for as close to a full shift as possible with a flow rate that ensured collection of the necessary air volume stated in the analytical method established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). All pumps were pre- and post-calibrated to ensure accurate air flow rates. Personal samples were placed in the breathing zone of the employee with the sampling cassette being attached to the lapel; the area sample was placed in a location where employees are expected to spend most their time. Sampling media was sent for analysis to a laboratory accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
SAMPLING RESULTS
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