An important component of an industrial hygienist’s responsibility is performing or managing hazard assessment in the workplace. Their job is to survey the facility and identify what risks or hazards can be associated with each work condition or task (Adem et al., 2020). Air samples are taken to identify contaminants and ensure they meet the standards of OSHA or NIOSH regarding exposure.
Welding Hazard (Manganese Fume)
I will use a 37 mm mixed cellulose ester filter cassette as the sampling medium for welding hazards. This selection follows the guidelines in NIOSH 7302. The sampling flow rate will be 2 L/min, the standard parameter for airborne contaminant sampling procedures. A primary standard calibration method will be used to conduct a pre-calibrated sampling train, thus making this activity more accurate and reliable. To determine the minimum sampling time required to detect concentrations at the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of 5 mg/m³, the following calculation is performed: Minimum Sampling Time = 2.5 minutes (=) with quantity of 5 mg/m³ divided by the flow rate is equal to twice L per minute: Minimum Sampling Time Most welding processes are vital, and employees involved in those processes work close to potential dangers thus requiring use of the personal samples. This method enables direct estimation of the level an individual worker is exposed to, thereby enabling a more detailed appraisal that can inform specific preventive measures (Sapuan et al., 2022). None of the compounds listed in the method might cause interference with the sample. As for sample integrity, proper storage, such as a calm and dry atmosphere, will be guaranteed, along with prompt shipments to the lab, during which no degradation could occur.
Paint Hazard (1,2,4 trimethylbenzene)
To address the paint hazard and specifically target 1,2,4 trimethylbenzene, I will use a charcoal tube as a sampling medium. This selection conforms with OSHA 1020 in choosing to sample the organic vapors. The sampling flow rate for this snatch will be maintained at 0.1 L/min, following standardized approaches to ensure a positive sample of volatile compounds accurately sampled from the environment in which they occur. Their levels are measured over time, or particular locations are determined spatially. Calibration for the sampled train will be done using the primary standard calibration method to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability. The following calculation is performed to determine the minimum sampling time required to detect concentrations at the OEL of 25 ppm: Minimum Sampling Time = 25 ppm / 0.1 L/min Step Textbox; anthemears:: internal_transfer bandwidth is given by its formula, Welsh: co-transparencies Based on the fact that paint fumes may be widely dispersed in this area, Area samples will henceforth collect to provide an overall exposure level estimation. This methodology offers better coverage of the dose received within this paint booth area for an all-rounded risk prediction analysis. None of the reagents listed in the method would affect sample interference. Samples will be stored under proper conditions for sample integrity- cold condition- and immediately shipped to the analysis lab (Sapuan et al., 2022).
Metal Working Fluids Hazard
I will use a 37-mm polyvinyl chloride filter cassette as the sampling medium for metal working fluids hazard by NIOSH guidelines described in document number ff15049. This sampling process will have a flow rate of 2 L/min, an average procedure for particulate matter sampling. The primary standard method will calibrate the sampling train, hence its accuracy and reliability. The following calculation determines the minimum sampling time required to detect concentrations at 0.5 mg/m³ OEL: Minimum Sampling Time 0.25 minutes. Due to the inherent nature of metalworking operations and the fact that fluid aerosols can travel far distances throughout the workstation, area samples will be collected in order for general levels of exposure to be analyzed more broadly (Adem et al., 2020). This approach achieves a complete analysis of possible hazards in metalworking fluids. None of the compounds listed in the method should interfere with the sample. Storage and transportation of samples is critical to ensure specimen integrity. The storage condition must be a cool, dry environment with proper packs for sample shipment laboratory within the defined period.
Evaluation of Noise Exposures
I would employ a sound level meter to measure noise exposures within the facility. When using the device, I would calibrate it with a sound resonator before and after every use. I would apply area samples to estimate noise levels across facility subareas, such as welding and paint areas. It is necessary to indicate the places where high levels of noise near machines and equipment can influence workers. I would ensure the sound level meter is arranged adequately for collecting authentic data and aspects are thoroughly measured to validate with OSHA 8-hour TWA at 90 dBA.
References
Adem, A., Çakit, E., & Dağdeviren, M. (2020). Occupational health and safety risk assessment in the domain of Industry 4.0. SN Applied Sciences, 2, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2817-x
Sapuan, S. M., Ilyas, R. A., Asyraf, M. R. M., Sapuan, S. M., Ilyas, R. A., & Asyraf, M. R. M. (2022). Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Composite Industry. Safety and Health in Composite Industry, 229-252. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-6136-5_11
write