Unit Ib Sample Revision Guide

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NEBOSH International Diploma
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Unit IB
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Hazardous Substances/Agents
Revision Guide
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Unit IB Revision Guide
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Element IB4
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Monitoring and Measuring of Hazardous Substances

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Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
The Meaning of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) are standards for exposure to particular health
hazards above which workers should not be exposed.
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Two reference periods are often used for OELs:
8 hours (Long Term Exposure Limits, LTELs) and
15 minutes (Short Term Exposure Limits, STELs).
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The two units used for measuring airborne concentrations are:
Parts per million (ppm) - gas and vapour.
Milligrams per cubic metre of air (mg/m3, or mg.m-3) - particulates.
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How OELs are Established
ILO Code of Practice - Occupational Exposure to Airborne Substances Harmful to
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Health (Section 3) establishes principles to be followed when setting exposure limits. It

recognises that limits may be established through national legislation or through collective
agreement with employers or workers, such as worker representative groups, and that
such limits should be able to be modified in light of scientific knowledge.
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Long-Term and Short-Term Exposure Limits

Two OELs can be set for a chemical, designed to reduce the risk of chronic long-term and
acute short-term effects resulting from the absorption of harmful substances:
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Long-Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) based on an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average

(TWA) exposure.
–– Designed to control the accumulation of harmful substances in the body, or
conditions which would enhance a disease risk with continuing contact.
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) based on a 15-minute TWA exposure.
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–– Designed to control adverse effects which might result from exposure to a high
concentration of a contaminant over short periods of time.
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72 © RRC International
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International Examples of Occupational Exposure Limits
In the UK, Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs).
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In the USA, Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and Threshold Limit Values
(TLVs).
In the EU, Indicative Limit Values.
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Lead
In the UK, the occupational exposure limits for lead are set out not in the WELs but in the
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW).
The limits are 8-hour TWA concentrations as follows:
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For lead other than lead-alkyls, a concentration of lead in the atmosphere to which
any employee is exposed of 0.15mg.m-3.
For lead-alkyls, a concentration of lead in the atmosphere to which any employee is
exposed of 0.10mg.m-3. M
Asbestos
In the UK, the occupational exposure limit for asbestos is set out in the Control of
Asbestos Regulations 2012, where it is referred to as the control limit.
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The control limit is 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre of air averaged over a continuous
period of four hours.
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Strategies, Methods and Equipment for the Sampling and

Measurement of Airborne Contaminants
Role of the Occupational Hygienist
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The work of the occupational hygienist involves:

Identification of health hazards (such as toxic chemicals, heat or noise).
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Measurement of the hazard by data collection (e.g. personal dosimetry).

Evaluation of the risk by comparing estimated exposures to legal standards (e.g. use
of OELs).
Identification of control measures and their implementation, use, testing and
maintenance.
The level of competence needed will depend on the service required, based on:
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Training and qualification.

Experience in the field in question.
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Background knowledge and education.

Certification or accreditation to relevant standards.
Membership of professional organisations such as the British Occupational
Hygiene Society (BOHS).
© RRC International 73
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Interpretation of Reports
Safety practitioners may be involved in the management of occupational hygienists. Issues
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to check:
An appropriate strategy and method of sampling has been used.
The equipment used was maintained, certificated and calibrated.
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The sampling was carried out at a place and time that would give results
representative of real workplace conditions.
The results have been correctly evaluated against the correct legal standards.
Monitoring Strategy
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HSE guidance HSG173 indicates that an effective strategy for monitoring hazardous
substances calls for a three-stage approach:
1. Initial appraisal:
–– Gather information. M
–– Conduct some simple qualitative tests.
2. Basic survey:
–– Look at worst-case situations first.
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–– Personal sampling at peak periods.
–– Static sampling to verify the existence, sources and spread of contaminant
release.
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3. Detailed survey:
–– Carcinogens, mutagens and respiratory sensitisers.
–– Exposure is highly variable between employees doing similar tasks.
–– Initial appraisal and basic survey indicate:
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–– TWA concentrations are very close to the WEL.

–– Cost of additional controls needs to be justified with more detailed evidence.
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Monitoring of hazardous substances
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If quantitative monitoring is to be carried out, then an approved method from the MDHS
guidance series must be used to ensure the validity of results obtained.
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Standard Methods
A set of detailed descriptions of approved sampling and analytical methods that ensure
scientific validity of results.
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Direct Reading Instruments

Chemical reactions designed to produce a colour change, which enables a qualitative
analysis to be made.
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Electrical detection, in conjunction with chemical or electrochemical processes.

Physical methods based on the absorption of ultraviolet or infrared radiation in
proportion to the concentration of the contaminant.
Advantages:
Some can be used to continuously monitor the air for the given substance.
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Specific to a given substance.

Give an immediate (or nearly so) reading of a contaminant concentration.
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Very useful for identifying periods of peak concentrations during a working shift.
Many instruments can be connected to a chart recorder, data logger or warning
device so do not need constant attention.
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Disadvantages:
Some are expensive.
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Need a competent technician.
Need to be calibrated to ensure accurate measurement.
Can be influenced by mixtures.
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Stain Tube Detectors
Use
–– A known volume of air is drawn over a chemical reagent supported in a glass
tube.
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–– The contaminant reacts with the reagent and the length of the stain is
proportional to the concentration of the gaseous contaminant.
Limitations
–– Rate of flow of air.
–– Accuracy of the sampled volume.
––
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Possibility of cross-sensitivity of tube reagents.
–– Problems caused by variations in temperature and pressure.
–– Shelf life - turn over stock and use only currently operative tubes.
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–– Reagent complexity causes a variation between each tube.
–– Hand-operated stain tube systems are capable of only a point-in-time or grab
sample.
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General Method for Sampling and Gravimetric Analysis of Dusts

Inhalable (or “total inhalable”) dust is dust where the particles are >0.1 microns in
diameter suspended in air and so can be inhaled through the nose or mouth into the
respiratory tract.
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Respirable dust is that fraction of inhalable dust that is small enough to pass
through the upper respiratory tract, down into the lungs, to the region of gas
exchange.
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The general principle is:

Contaminated air is drawn through a filter held inside a sampler (sampling head) for
a period of time.
The filter is weighed both before and after sampling to give the weight of dust that
has collected.
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The weight of dust collected is used to calculate the dust concentration in air
(mg.m-3).
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The type of sampling head used depends on the nature of the particulates being
measured.
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Sampling Equipment
Consists of:
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–– Air pump.
–– Connecting hose.
–– Sampling head containing a filter.
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–– Flow meter used to check the flow-rate of the sampler train before and after use.
Method of Use
–– Stabilise the airflow at the required rate.
–– Fit the sampling head with a clean, pre-weighed filter.
–– Attach the sampling head to the operator, near the nose-mouth region.
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–– Record the time at the start of the sampling period and check the flow rate as
necessary.
–– At the end of the sampling period, note the time and remove the filter for re-
weighing.
–– Volume of air passing through the filter is calculated by multiplying the flow rate
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(cubic metres per minute) by the sampling time (minutes).
–– Weight gain (mg) of the filter, divided by the volume sampled, gives the average
dust concentration in milligrams per cubic metre of air (mg/m3).
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Sampling and Analysis for Asbestos
Asbestos concentrations in air can be measured using similar equipment with a downward
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facing cowled sampler head. The amount of asbestos collected is quantified by counting
fibres by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM).
Personal Sampling for Vapours

Passive Devices
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Employ absorbent material to sample concentrations of airborne pollutants without

using a pump to draw air through the collector by allowing the gases to diffuse and/
or permeate to the absorbent surface.
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At the end of the sampling period, the holder is returned to the laboratory, where
the absorbent material is removed and the amount of gas or vapour collected can be
analysed.
The badge-type sampler has a flat, permeable membrane supported over a shallow
layer of sorbent.
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The tube-type sampler has a smaller permeable membrane supported over a deep
metal tube filled with sorbent.
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Active Devices
Use either liquid or solid sorbents, e.g. activated charcoal tubes and pumps.
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A continuous stream of air is pumped through a tube containing activated charcoal
and any gases or vapours will be absorbed.
The amount of pollutant collected can then be determined back in the laboratory.
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Calculating Exposures
General Method for Calculating 8-Hour TWA Exposures
The 8-hour TWA exposure for a work activity where the exposures have been measured
can be calculated using the formula:
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C1T1 + C2T2 + ...CnTn
8-hour TWA exposure =
8
The simplest way of using the formula is:
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1. For each partial exposure period, multiply the concentration by the duration of
exposure (in hours).
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2. Add all of these partial exposures together (sum them).
3. Divide the sum by 8 (to give an 8-hour average).
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4. Express the answer in the same units as the concentrations were first measured in.
Example:
Steps 1 and 2:
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Concentration of Exposure Time in Hours Product

Contaminant in PPM
60 0.5 60 × 0.5 = 30
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40 1.5 40 × 1.5 = 60
50 2.0 50 × 2 = 100
60 3.0 60 × 3 = 180
80 1.0 80 × 1 = 80
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sum 450
Table showing measured exposures (concentration and duration of exposure) along with the
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partial exposures (concentration × time in hours) and the sum of the partial exposures (Steps
1 and 2)
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Steps 3 and 4:
450
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8-hour TWA = = 56.25 ppm
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When evaluating whether this 8-hour TWA exposure is acceptable or not, reference
would have to be made to the standards set out in EH40 (or elsewhere).
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Health Surveillance: Health Monitoring and Biological
Monitoring
Health Assessment and Health Surveillance
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General health assessment - assessment of an individual’s fitness to carry out the
general duties or specific tasks associated with work.
Health surveillance:
–– Monitor an individual’s health to ensure that they are suitable for work involving
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exposure to a specific type of health hazard.
–– Track their health over time as they work with that hazard.
Legal Requirements for Health Surveillance

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Health surveillance is often legally required where the following criteria are met:
There is an identifiable disease or adverse health condition related to the work
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concerned.
Valid techniques are available to detect indications of the disease or condition.
There is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or condition may occur under the
particular conditions of work.
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Surveillance is likely to further the protection of the health and safety of the
employees to be covered.
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The Health Surveillance Cycle
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Risk assessment
and controls
Manage performance,
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interpret the results and act
on the results Do I need health
surveillance?
Implement health What sort of health sur-

surveillance for those
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Employer veillance do I need?
who need it
Identify who will do the

M Set up and design health
surveillance according to
need. Seek help in doing so,
health surveillance if required
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The health surveillance cycle
Requirement for Health Records and Medical Records

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Health records have to be retained for as long as the employee that they relate to is under
health surveillance.
Health records:
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–– Do not contain confidential clinical details.

–– Can be kept securely by the employer with other confidential personnel records.
Medical records:
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–– Include medical information arising from clinical examination.

–– Are held in confidence by the doctor, nurse or other occupational health
professional.
–– Can only be released to an employer or anyone else with the written consent of
the individual.
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Principles of Biological Monitoring

“The measurement and assessment of workplace agents or their metabolites (substances
formed when the body converts the chemical) in exposed workers. Measurements are
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made either on samples of breath, urine or blood, or any combination of these.”
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Biological monitoring is used to indicate how much of a chemical has entered a worker’s
system (rather than simply how much was in the air that the worker might have inhaled)
and is especially useful when:
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Absorption is likely to be through skin and ingestion rather than inhalation.
There are valid laboratory methods available for the detection of the chemical or its
metabolites in the body.
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There are reference values available for the interpretation of the results obtained.
PPE is used as a significant control.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages include:
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Can help to demonstrate whether PPE (e.g. gloves and masks) and engineering
controls (e.g. extraction systems) are effective in controlling exposure.
Measures individual exposure to a chemical by all routes of entry.
Identifies what has been absorbed by the body (unlike airborne monitoring).
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Shows how effective improvements in control measures have been in reducing
exposure.
Gives reassurance to workers that their individual exposure is being monitored.
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Disadvantages include:
Sampling may require blood to be taken, which would require a physician or nurse.
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Measurements relate to individuals, so confidentiality and data protection issues

need to be addressed.
Standards aim to protect the majority of the exposed population. Therefore, an
individual may suffer adverse changes at concentrations below the standard.
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The Role of Biological Limits

The biological limit is the standard against which measurements taken from workers can
be compared to see whether the workers have been over-exposed to the hazardous agent.
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Exam-Style Questions
Short Questions
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1. (a) Explain what the term Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) means in
practice. (3)
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(b) Calculate, using the data below, the 8-hour TWA exposure to flour dust
of a bakery worker. Include detailed working to show how the exposure
is determined. (7)
Working period Tasks undertaken by Exposure to Flour Dust
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(Total shift time = 8 bakery operative (mg/m3)
hours)
8.00 - 10.30 Weighing ingredients 20
10.45 - 12.45 Charging the mixers 30
12.45 - 13.45 Lunch
13.45 - 15.45
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Cleaning equipment 25
15.45 - 16.15 Assisting 0 (assumed)
maintenance staff
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Assume that exposure is zero during break times.
2. (a) Outline the circumstances in which monitoring of employee exposure
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to hazardous substances should be carried out. (5)

(b) Identify the information that should be included in a record of
monitoring to ensure that the record is ‘suitable’. (3)
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(c) Identify the periods of time for which records should be kept, and the
factors that determine the period of time. (2)
3. (a) Outline the meaning of the phrase ‘biological monitoring’ and identify
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the circumstances when biological monitoring might be appropriate. (6)

(b) Review the practical difficulties that an employer may have to consider
when introducing a biological monitoring programme. (4)
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Long Questions
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4. Stonemasons are exposed to irritant limestone dust in the course of their
work. Limestone dust has been assigned a Occupational Exposure Limit
(OEL).
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(a) Explain the term Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) in this context. (3)
(b) Stonemasons’ work involves both cutting and finishing of limestone.
Explain the factors to be considered when undertaking a suitable and
sufficient assessment of the risks from their exposure to limestone dust. (11)
(c) Given that stonemasons are required to work both in a workshop and
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out on site, review a range of control measures that would be suitable
in each of these situations. (6)
5. In a shoe factory, workers use a range of solvents.
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(a) Outline the issues that should be taken into account and the information
that could be examined when undertaking an assessment of the health
risk assessment of worker exposure to these solvents. (6)
(b) Describe a monitoring strategy that would be appropriate for the
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monitoring of actual worker exposure to the solvent vapours. (6)
(c) Explain how any data obtained during monitoring assessments should
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be interpreted so as to determine the acceptability of worker exposures

and the adequacy of the control measures that are already in place. (8)
6. Methanol (an organic solvent) is being used in the production of a specialist
coating. An operative’s measurement of exposure to the methanol varies
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throughout his 8-hour working day. The results of the measurement of his
exposure are as follows:
Table 1
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Task undertaken by operative Duration of Task Exposure to

Methanol (ppm)
Measuring out and adding methanol 15 minutes 280
Adding other components to the mix 1 hour 90
Supervision of mixing and decanting 2 hours 150
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Clean down of equipment using

solvents 2 hours 170
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Assume the exposure is zero at all other times.
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(a) Calculate the 8 hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) exposure to
methanol for the operative. Your answer should include detailed working
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to show you understand how the exposure is determined. (8)
(b) Information relating to methanol in EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits
is as follows:
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Table 2
Workplace Exposure Limit
Long-term Short-term
CAS exposure limit exposure limit
Substance Comments
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Number (8-hour TWA (15-minute
limit reference reference period)
period)
Ppm Mg/m3 Ppm Mg/m3
Methanol 67-56-1 200 M 266 250 333 SK R11, 23/24/25,
39/23/24/25
Using your results from part (a), the original exposure information
in Table 1 AND by selecting the relevant data from Table 2, explain
what actions might be required by the employer in order to ensure that
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exposure to methanol is adequately controlled. (8)
(c) Describe how the personal exposure of the operative to methanol can
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be measured. (4)
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Model Answers
Short Questions
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Question 1
Interpretation
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This question is in two parts, so your answer should follow suit. Part (a) asks for an
explanation of OEL. Part (b) asks for a calculation of exposure. This type of calculation has
featured in a number of exam papers. You are allowed to take a simple calculator into the
exam. Even without a calculator the maths is easy for this particular question (if you can
remember the formula). Note that you must show full workings out to get the full marks.
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Plan
There isn’t much point drawing up a plan for this question - you might as well get straight
into the answer.
Suggested Answer M
(a) The definition of OEL is the maximum concentration of an airborne substance,
averaged over a reference period, to which employees may be exposed by inhalation.
It is usually expressed in units of mg/m3 or ppm. In practice, this means that for most
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substances assigned a OEL, the exposure of employees to the substance assigned
the OEL must be below the OEL on a time weighted average basis. Two different
reference time periods are used and the OELs are expressed in terms of these time
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periods - either Long Term Exposure Limits (LTEL) measured over an eight hour
period, or Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL) measured over 15-minute periods. In
certain instances exposure to the substance must be below the OEL to the greatest
extent reasonably practicable. Where possible OELs are set below the ‘no observed
adverse effect’ level.
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(b) The TWA exposure to flour dust can be calculated as:
((20 × 2.5) + (30 × 2) + (25 × 2) + (0 × 0.5) + (0 × 1))

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8
= (50 + 60 + 50 + 0 + 0) / 8
= 160 / 8
= 20mg/m3
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Question 2
Interpretation
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A very structured question. Part (a) is asking about the requirements for monitoring. Parts
(b) and (c) are straightforward questions.
Plan
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(a) Use of specified substance/process, serious overexposure, to ensure OEL, to verify
control.
(b) Date/time.
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Location/person.
Result.
(c) 5 or 40 years.
Suggested Answer
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(a) The circumstances when monitoring should be carried out are:
When failure or deterioration of the control measures could result in a serious
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health effect, either due to toxicity of the substance or because of the extent
of the potential exposure.
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When measurement is necessary to be sure that the OEL is not exceeded.

When necessary as an additional check on the effectiveness of any control
measure provided.
(b) The records should contain details as to when the monitoring was done (dates,
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times and durations of tests); where and/or on who the monitoring was done (the
locations where samples were taken, names of the individuals concerned and the
operations in progress at the time) and the results (calculated exposures).
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(c) The length of time for which records have to be kept depends on the type of
measurement taken. For individuals (personal dosimetry) the period is for at least
40 years, in any other cases (e.g. static sampling) for at least five years.
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Question 3
Interpretation
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This question has a clear structure that must be reflected in your answer and, unfortunately,
if you misinterpret the phrase “biological monitoring” you will be wrong-footed at the
start. Note that part (a) asks for an explanation of meaning and an indication of the times
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when biological monitoring might be necessary.
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(a) Body samples; tissues, fluids, breath.

Indicative of absorption by all routes (tests adequacy of controls).
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Inhalation not the only route + PPE + recognised method and BMGV.
(b) Voluntary - consent, practical problems, few BMGVs, cost.
Suggested Answer M
(a) Biological monitoring involves measurement/assessment of workplace agents (or
their metabolites) in tissues, body fluids (blood/urine) or breath. For example, a
worker exposed to isocyanate solvent might provide a urine sample that can then
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be analysed to indicate the workers total exposure to isocyanate. It is indicative of
the absorption into the body by all routes, not just by inhalation (which is the thrust
of OELs). It compliments air monitoring and helps determine adequacy of existing
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controls.
The circumstances when biological monitoring might be appropriate would be:
when absorption via entry routes other than respiratory is significant AND there is a
heavy reliance on PPE as a control measure AND when valid monitoring techniques
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exist AND when a reference/guidance value exists.

(b) Apart from the case of biological monitoring as part of statutory medicals,
submission to testing is usually voluntary. Since it is somewhat invasive, there
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may be a reluctance/concern to consent - so this needs to be tackled. Also the

availability of suitable facilities and specialists to carry out the tests (nurses, etc.)
may present practical problems. Sample integrity (cross-contamination) is another
important issue that must be tackled, since positive test results can have dramatic
consequences for the employer and employee alike. Also there are relatively few
available guidance values (for interpretation of result); not to mention the costs
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involved.
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Long Questions
Question 4
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Interpretation
This is a well-structured question so the structure of your answer should follow suit. Part
(b) asks about factors to consider during the risk assessment process; your answer would
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need to be relevant to the general scenario set, i.e. stone cutting and finishing. Part (c)
asks about control measures; note that we are clearly told that these measures must be
appropriate for both in the workshop and on site.
Plan
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(a) Define OEL.
(b) Nature of the dust.
Numbers exposed.
Individual susceptibility.
Routes of entry.
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Particle size.
Level and duration of exposure.
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Work methods.
Controls.
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Monitoring results.
(c) Dilution ventilation.
LEV.
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Damping down.
Tools.
RPE and other PPE.
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Suggested Answer
(a) Occupational Exposure Limit is defined as “the maximum concentration of airborne
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contaminant (limestone dust in this case), averaged over a reference period, to
which employees may be exposed by inhalation”. It would be measured in mg/
m³. There would be a long term (8 hours, a typical work shift) exposure limit and
there might be a short term (15 minutes) limit as well (if none is given then 3 LTEL
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is used). The OEL must not be exceeded and principles of good hygiene should be
followed for control to be considered adequate.
(b) Many factors must be considered when undertaking a risk assessment of potential
exposure to the limestone dust. The hazardous nature of the limestone dust,
which causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, must be considered. The
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numbers of workers exposed and the level and duration of their exposure must also
be taken into account. There may be individual susceptibility to the irritant effects of
the dust within the working populations (e.g. asthma sufferers might be sensitive to
the dust). The possible routes of entry must be thought about; in this case it would
be principally inhalation into the lungs, with some potential for ingestion into the
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gastrointestinal tract. The dust particle sizes created by work processes would be
important, as this determines the deposition site in lungs. Another set of factors
to consider would be how the work is carried out. Power tools will almost certainly
be used, so what is their nature, what controls do they already have built into them
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and how are they used? For example, what position does an operator need to adopt
when using certain tools, do they have to stand above or in the line of ejected
dust plumes? The effectiveness of existing controls would have to be evaluated
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during the assessment process. Any airborne contaminant monitoring and health
surveillance results would be examined to give information about current exposures
and existing health effects.
(c) There are a number of control measures that might be adopted within this type
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of workplace. Some of these might be appropriate for indoor workshops, some

for outdoor work and some can be applied to both instances. General workspace
ventilation of indoor workshops would be necessary to dilute low levels of dust
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down to acceptable levels. An LEV system would have to be fitted to any processes
generating dust at a point source (e.g. stone cutting), unless damping down
techniques were used to eliminate dust generation (this would be the case at most
indoor stone cutting operations). Tools would need to be kept sharp to minimise
the amount of dust generated and would either have in-built extraction or damping
spray mechanisms. Suitable RPE would have to be selected and used with some
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attention paid to user comfort, efficiency, fit, and compatibility. Personal PPE might
be particularly important in outdoor workplaces where damping down and LEV
are less likely to be practical. Other PPE such as eye, hearing and skin protection
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(e.g. goggles, ear plugs, gloves and overalls) may also be necessary, depending on
the operation being carried out. General hygiene measures, such as providing clean
rest and food preparation areas, would have to be supplied. Hand wash facilities
would also have to be supplied adjacent to these areas.
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Question 5
Interpretation
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This question is scenario based, but the scenario is rather sketchy. Your answer must be
based around the scenario but would have to be written in fairly general terms. Part (a)
is concerned with information sources and factors to consider during the assessment
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process. Part (b) is concerned with a strategy; not a detailed explanation of the actual
monitoring methodology. Part (c) is asking for information about the exposure evaluation
process.
Plan
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(a) Solvents information - ACoP, EH40, HSG173, MSDSs. Working methods, exposure
patterns, existing controls, monitoring and surveillance.
(b) HSG173; 3-stage strategy. People/area, timing, duration, method. Basic exposure
data. MDHSs method. M
(c) WELs, BM GVs, old results, LEV, PPE, health surveillance.
Suggested Answer
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(a) There are a number of issues that would have to be considered and the information
that should be taken into account during the assessment process. Information on
the solvents themselves would be of paramount importance. What is their chemical
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nature, what health effects do they have, what target organs do they affect, are
there any workplace exposure limits, might there be synergistic effects between
one solvent and another or a solvent and other chemicals present in the workplace,
what routes of entry do the solvents take in order to make their way into the body?
Information sources that would need to be consulted in order to determine this
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information would include: the ACoP, guidance note EH40 containing the table of
OELs, HSG173 outlining basic monitoring strategies and of course the SDSs for the
solvents themselves. Other issues/factors that would also need to be considered
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would include the actual working methods employed, employee exposure patterns,
the adequacy of existing controls, the need for monitoring and health surveillance.
(b) HSG173 describes a three-stage approach to a monitoring strategy. In this case
the strategy might consider people/areas to monitor, timing and duration of
monitoring and how to monitor. There would need to be some basic data so that
an initial evaluation of exposure levels might be made. This initial evaluation might
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make use of simple grab-sampling data (stain tubes or other methods), and other
techniques might be used, to get quantitative data on exposures (including personal
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monitoring and biological monitoring). There would also be the need to consider
the analysis methods to be used. This would require reference to standardised
methods.
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(c) The interpretation of data obtained would require a comparison of actual assessed
exposures with exposure standards. Namely Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs).
IA
This should be done taking into account of presence of mixtures and any additive
effects. Any Biological Limit Values that exist (e.g. listed in EH40) should also be
considered. The results of any environmental monitoring or personal dosimetry
carried out should be compared to the OELs. Any measurements of LEV performance
ER
tests can be used to assist in the evaluation. PPE data might also be useful (such as
glove breakthrough times which would be very appropriate if gloves were used to
protect the hands from solvent contact). Finally, the result of any health surveillance
carried out might be used to contribute to the valuation process.
AT
Question 6
Interpretation
Though this appears to be a complex question, it is in fact quite simple. The question is so
structured that little planning is required. Note that we are directed to show our workings
M
out again. Note also that part (b) requires an interpretation of results and an explanation
of actions required.
Plan
E
Any planning is likely to be a waste of time, since any plan would be so detailed you might
as well just get on with it.
PL
Suggested Answer
(a) The 8-hour TWA exposure for the operator is calculated as:
(Convert the 15 minute time slot into hours (i.e. 0.25 hour) and then do the TWA
M
calculation)
((280 0.25) + (90 1) + (150 2) + (170 2)) / 8
SA
= (70 + 90 + 300 + 340) / 8

= 800/8
= 100ppm
C
RR
L
(b) Key things to note are that the calculated 8-hour TWA exposure does not exceed
the LTEL (in table 2).
IA
However, the STEL (table 2) is exceeded during the first 15 minute measuring stage
(table 1). This first time slot is 15 minutes long (matching the 15 minute reference
period for a STEL) and the exposure level is measured at 280ppm. The STEL given
ER
in table 2 is 250ppm. Therefore the STEL has been breached. It is not possible to
determine if the STEL has been exceeded during any other times over the working
day, as all other task durations are for a period of much longer than 15 minutes
(namely 1 hour and greater).
Additional controls are therefore required; e.g. substitution, automation, LEV, PPE
AT
including RPE. Note that gloves should be worn as a matter of course because of
the “SK” comment - skin absorption is a significant exposure route. It would also
be necessary to undertake additional measurements (to investigate why STEL is
exceeded and gather more data, not only to establish accuracy but also to explore
exposure patterns during other operations). There will also be a need for routine
M
monitoring to make sure that any additional controls put in place are having the
desired effect.
(c) The operator’s personal exposure to methanol would be quantified by the use of
the standard method. A sampling head would be placed close to the breathing zone.
E
There would be a sorbent material in the sampler such as activated charcoal or silica.
Either an active (calibrated air pump) or passive sampler would be used. Details
of the precise method would be found in the relevant standard. The methanol
PL
is absorbed in the sorbent in the sampler and then needs to be desorbed in an

accredited lab and analysed (typically by Gas Chromatography). Methanol quantities
can then be calculated and methanol concentration within the operators breathing
zone can be estimated by reference to the sampling pump rate and the duration of
M
the sampling period.

SA
C
RR

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L

Health (Section 3) establishes principles to be followed when setting exposure limits. It

Long-Term and Short-Term Exposure Limits

 Long-Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) based on an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average

Strategies, Methods and Equipment for the Sampling and

The work of the occupational hygienist involves:

 Measurement of the hazard by data collection (e.g. personal dosimetry).

 Training and qualification.

 Background knowledge and education.

–– TWA concentrations are very close to the WEL.

Direct Reading Instruments

 Electrical detection, in conjunction with chemical or electrochemical processes.

 Specific to a given substance.

General Method for Sampling and Gravimetric Analysis of Dusts

The general principle is:

Personal Sampling for Vapours

 Employ absorbent material to sample concentrations of airborne pollutants without

Concentration of Exposure Time in Hours Product

Legal Requirements for Health Surveillance

Implement health What sort of health sur-

Identify who will do the

Requirement for Health Records and Medical Records

–– Do not contain confidential clinical details.

–– Include medical information arising from clinical examination.

Principles of Biological Monitoring

made either on samples of breath, urine or blood, or any combination of these.”

 Measurements relate to individuals, so confidentiality and data protection issues

The Role of Biological Limits

Working period Tasks undertaken by Exposure to Flour Dust

to hazardous substances should be carried out. (5)

the circumstances when biological monitoring might be appropriate. (6)

be interpreted so as to determine the acceptability of worker exposures

Task undertaken by operative Duration of Task Exposure to

Clean down of equipment using

Assume the exposure is zero at all other times.

(b) The TWA exposure to flour dust can be calculated as:

((20 × 2.5) + (30 × 2) + (25 × 2) + (0 × 0.5) + (0 × 1))

 When measurement is necessary to be sure that the OEL is not exceeded.

(a)  Body samples; tissues, fluids, breath.

exist AND when a reference/guidance value exists.

may be a reluctance/concern to consent - so this needs to be tackled. Also the

of workplace. Some of these might be appropriate for indoor workshops, some

= (70 + 90 + 300 + 340) / 8

is absorbed in the sorbent in the sampler and then needs to be desorbed in an

the sampling period.

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Long-Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) based on an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average

Measurement of the hazard by data collection (e.g. personal dosimetry).

Training and qualification.

Background knowledge and education.

Electrical detection, in conjunction with chemical or electrochemical processes.

Specific to a given substance.

Employ absorbent material to sample concentrations of airborne pollutants without

Measurements relate to individuals, so confidentiality and data protection issues

When measurement is necessary to be sure that the OEL is not exceeded.

(a) Body samples; tissues, fluids, breath.