Industrial hygiene
Industrial hygiene consulting and exposure assessments
Air sampling, noise dosimetry and indoor air quality investigations that tell you whether exposures are within limits, and what to change if they are not.
What we do
Comprehensive industrial hygiene
- Personal air samplingRespirable crystalline silica, lead and other metals, welding fume, solvents and other chemical exposures, compared with OSHA and ACGIH limits.
- Noise surveys and dosimetryArea sound level mapping and personal dosimetry to decide who belongs in a hearing conservation program.
- Indoor air quality investigationsSee our indoor air quality service for complaint investigations and ventilation reviews.
- Heat stress assessmentsWBGT measurements and work-rest guidance for hot environments.
- Written programs and trainingHazard communication, respiratory protection, hearing conservation and silica exposure control plans.
- OSHA citation and complaint responseSampling and documentation to answer an OSHA inquiry or abate a cited hazard.
Requirements
Common OSHA limits
- Respirable silica
- PEL 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA · action level 25 µg/m³
- Lead
- PEL 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA · action level 30 µg/m³
- Noise
- PEL 90 dBA as an 8-hour TWA · action level 85 dBA
- Formaldehyde
- PEL 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour TWA · action level 0.5 ppm
- Carbon dioxide
- PEL 5,000 ppm as an 8-hour TWA. In offices, CO₂ is used as an indicator of ventilation, far below this limit.
TWA: time-weighted average. The action level triggers monitoring, medical surveillance and training requirements before the PEL is reached.
How long a worker may be exposed to noise
Process
How an exposure assessment runs
Walkthrough
We observe tasks, materials and controls, and group workers by similar exposure.
Sampling plan
Agents, methods, durations and how many workers to sample, matched to the OSHA standard that applies.
Field sampling
Personal and area samples with pumps calibrated before and after each sample.
Lab analysis
Analysis at AIHA-accredited laboratories by NIOSH or OSHA methods.
Report
Results against PELs and TLVs, with practical engineering, administrative and PPE recommendations.
FAQ
Common questions
Why sample if we already give workers respirators?
OSHA requires an exposure assessment to choose the right respirator and to decide whether medical surveillance and other program elements apply. Sampling also shows whether engineering controls work.
What is the difference between a PEL and a TLV?
PELs are legally enforceable OSHA limits. ACGIH TLVs are health-based guidelines that are often lower and more current. We report against both.
Can you help after an OSHA complaint?
Yes. We sample the conditions in question and prepare documentation you can use in your response.
Next step
Concerned about a workplace exposure?
Describe the task, the material and how many workers are involved. We will propose a sampling plan.