Industrial Hygiene

Costs for sampling projects vary widely depending on the type of contaminant, the number of samples needed, and how long the work process needs to be monitored.

Some contaminants can be measured using real-time monitors providing instantaneous results. Samples that require laboratory analysis usually take 2-4 weeks to get the results back. We use the laboratory results, real-time measurements, and worksite observations to compile a helpful and easy-to-understand report for you and your team. This is generally available within 3-4 weeks of sampling.

We typically schedule industrial hygiene sampling projects 3-6 weeks out, but it may be possible to conduct them ASAP.

Industrial hygienists are trained to evaluate potential hazards that may affect workers, including chemical and physical hazards such as noise and ergonomic hazards. To assess exposures to specific contaminants, employees may wear monitoring equipment while they work as part of the evaluation process. 

We compare the evaluation and monitoring results to governmental and voluntary standards. We will then make recommendations to reduce the hazards to the employees from contaminant exposure and to help the company comply with occupational safety and health regulations. Your company will be better able to recognize, evaluate, and control potential hazards.

Employees may be required to wear a monitoring device during their work shift, such as a noise dosimeter, a sampling pump and media, or a sampling badge. We might ask workers questions about what they are doing and photograph them if permitted.

We will need to visit the work area periodically to observe, take photos, and talk to employees. Your operations can and should continue as normal while we’re performing our work. The hope is to monitor a “typical” or “worst case” exposure day.

With some contaminants, we can get instantaneous readings, so we will immediately know if there is an exposure concern. However, most air samples must be sent out to a laboratory which usually takes 2 - 3 weeks to analyze and issue a report. We then take the lab findings, review our observations, and compile a helpful and easy-to-understand report.

Industrial hygiene sampling will determine exposure levels on the sampling day. Based on the sampling results and depending on the events of the day, we can determine if employees are exposed above or below governmental and voluntary exposure limits. We will then provide recommendations for corrective actions if needed.

Our report will include recommendations for corrective actions and controlling exposures. These corrective actions will guide your company to be in compliance with governmental regulations. Our recommendations will also provide steps to ensure a healthful and safe working environment for your employees. We may also direct you to resources to help you design and implement engineering controls.

If your sample results are above certain governmental limits, you must resample by a specific time period. For example, if exposures are above the OSHA action level for respirable crystalline silica, you must resample within six months. Even if there is no specific regulatory requirement, it may be prudent to resample since a sample captures only a point in time. 

For instance, if your exposure results are above 50% of OSHA’s exposure limit, you should consider resampling periodically to ensure they stay below the limit for all employees conducting the monitored task.

Yes. You should have retesting conducted to verify that your controls have reduced exposure levels below applicable limits. Also, if you make any changes to your manufacturing/construction process, you will need to test again. 

Even if the processes have not changed, it is a good idea to retest periodically. An ideal timeframe is every three years because your engineering controls may be altered or have become less effective over time.