What is Industrial Hygiene?

Industrial hygiene, by definition, is the science devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of those environmental factors to protect worker’s health and safety. The primary goal of industrial hygienist is to protect the health and well-being of workers by identifying and minimizing exposure to hazardous substances and physical agents in the workplace.

OSHA has developed and mandated many health requirements in more than six million U.S. workplaces. These requirements include air contaminants as well as chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards. For more specific information regarding the OSHA Requirements for Industrial Hygiene related topics see the General Industry Standards.

The Samplings SRCO Performs:

Asbestos Sampling, Hexavalent Chromium Sampling, Total Dust Sampling, Lead Sampling, Silica Sampling, Carbon Monoxide Sampling, Noise Sampling, Respirable Dust Sampling, Industrial Mold Sampling, Beryllium Sampling, Formaldehyde Sampling, VOCs Sampling

Our hygienists take a sample of the air/material and write a report explaining the results of the sampling and recommendations for abatement. This report is then provided to the company.

SRCO can conduct Physical Facility Audits in compliance with the American Correctional Association including Indoor Air Quality, CO2, CO, Temperature, Humidity, Noise, and Ventilation Testing. A written report based on the results of this testing is included with the audit.

Asbestos Sampling

Many building materials used in the past had asbestos within them. During demolition, asbestos containing material will break up and the particles can be brought into the respiratory system of employees. This can cause health issues such as asbestosis or mesothelioma over long periods of time. Sampling potential asbestos containing material can prevent exposure to workers. This allows employers to properly contain or remove asbestos containing materials.

The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos is .1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air averaged over an 8 hour workday. The Short-term Exposure Limit is 1 f/cc averaged over 30 minutes.

Hexavalent Chromium Sampling

Hexavalent Chromium is a highly toxic carcinogen, also known as Chromium-6 or Cr(VI). It is a naturally occurring substance but is more commonly found as a byproduct of industrial processes, including welding, chrome plating and leather tanning. This can cause health issues such as organ damage and respiratory issues.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 5mg/m3 over an 8 hour workday.

Silica Sampling

There are two main types of Silica. Amorphous, which is the non toxic form of silica and Crystalline Silica which is highly hazardous to the human body. This can cause health issues such as Silicosis, Cancer and COPD. Crystalline Silica dust is created during mining, stone countertop fabrication and bricklaying. These are just a few of the areas where crystalline silica can be found.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 50mg/m3 over an 8 hour workday.

Respirable Dust Sampling

This sampling is for dust and particles the would be of a certain size and that would pass through the bronchial tubes and into the lungs. The goal is the assess the potential health risks associated with inhaling these fine particles. It is specific to particulates not otherwise regulated.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 5mg/m3 over an 8 hour workday.

Total Dust Sampling

Total Dust Sampling is similar to Respirable Dust Sampling except for the size of the particle being sampled. Total Dust Particles are larger and get trapped within the bronchial tubes instead of passing through to the lungs.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 15mg/m3 over an 8 hour workday.

Carbon Monoxide Sampling

A colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, carbon monoxide is produced when fuels burn incompletely. This is a toxic gas that displaces oxygen and is highly flammable. Carbon Monoxide can cause serious health issues including brain damage, coma and death.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 50ppm over an 8 hour workday.

Lead Sampling

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the earth’s crust. Historically used in paint, water pipes and gasoline, today lead is typically used only in batteries, solder and ammunition. Health issues associated with lead exposure include behavioral issues and developmental delays in children. In adults lead exposure can cause impaired kidney function, high blood pressure, and can effect the nervous system.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 50mg/m3 over an 8 hour workday.

Beryllium Sampling

This is to assess the exposure of surface or airborne beryllium in the workplace. Beryllium is a toxic metal found naturally occurring within the earth’s crust though it is not found pure in nature. Over exposure may cause health issues such as Chronic Beryllium Disease, Beryllium Sensitization, or Lung Cancer.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is .2mg/m3 over an 8 hour workday.

Noise Sampling

Noise sampling is required when there is a reasonable expectation that the overall noise level that an employee may be exposed to can reach over 85 decibels. When this occurs there needs to be a hearing conservation program in place.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 85 Decibels (dBA) over an 8 hour workday.

Industrial Mold Sampling

This involves collecting and analyzing samples of mold, spores or other microbial growth in an industrial setting to assess air quality, identify the mold, and verify the proper remedial steps for the mold in question. Health hazards of mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, even severe respiratory conditions may occur.

There is no single Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for mold, due to the fact that mold levels can vary significantly in each situation, even as far as in different rooms of the same building. OSHA and NIOSH both focus more on identifying and correcting the sources of moisture causing the mold growth.

Formaldehyde Sampling

A naturally occurring compound that is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a strong, pungent odor. Formaldehyde can be found in construction, medicine and manufacturing. It can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Some people may also be allergic to it.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is .75 ppm over an 8 hour workday. The Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is 2 ppm during a 15 minute period.

VOC Sampling

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are a group of chemicals the evaporate easily at room temperature and can be found in a wide range of products and processes such as paint, cleaning supplies, and even cosmetics. These gases can cause irritation in the nose, eyes and throat. They can also cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long- term exposure to VOCs may cause organ and nervous system damage.

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) will vary depending on the compounds being sampled.