Industrial Hygiene News - May/June 2009

There are more than 50 Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs®) that cover more than 80 chemical substances. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry numbers are listed for each chemical. Introductions to each section and appendices provide philosophical bases and practical recommendations for using TLVs® and BEIs®. The Guide to Occupational Exposure Values is a companion document to the ACGIH® TLVs® and BEIs® book and serves as a readily accessible reference for comparison of the most recently published values: 2009 Chemical Substance TLVs® from ACGIH®; AIHA Workplace Environmental Exposure Limits (WEELs); the OSHA Final Rule PELs; RELs from NIOSH; MAKs from the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Workplace; and carcinogenicity designations from ACGIH®, OSHA, NIOSH, MAK, IARC, U.S. NTP, and U.S. EPA. The Guide also includes a CAS number index. To order these publications, contact ACGIH® Service Representatives by phone (513-742-2020), fax (513-742-3355) or email ( customerser-vice@acgih.org) or visit the ACGIH® Online Publications Store ( www.acgih.org/Store).

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) announces the release of its latest ERPG and WEEL Handbook.

There are 137 ERPGs and 113 WEELs. Recommended values for each series are contained in this handy booklet, along with other important information. This format is valuable for quick reference, but the exposure limits should always be used in conjunction with the documentation provided in each full set of ERPGs and WEELs.

The guide is separated into two main sections. In the ERPG section, you will find: background information and user guidance; ERPG value rationale; sample ERPG document; list of ERPG values (approved, balloted, under review, and under consideration); a carcinogenicity model; and a list of current ERPG Committee members. In the WEELs section, you will find: background information and user guidance; important definitions (8-hr TWA; short-term TWA; ceiling values; skin notation; unusual work shifts); a sample WEEL document; a list of WEEL values and WEELs under review, including guidelines and special situations; and a list of current WEEL Committee members. To order a copy of this handbook and other AIHA publications, visit www.aiha.org marketplace, or contact AIHA Customer Service at (703) 849-8888.

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Considering these facts, we would want to sample the top, middle and bottom.

First things first, we need to sample the opening and make sure there are no hazards. If all is well there, we can start sampling the confined space. We would then drop the tubing down into the confined space. At every four feet, use the two seconds per foot of tubing and two minutes of sample draw rule, and wait for the reading. Once we have ensured there are no hazards there, drop the line another four feet and so on until we get to the bottom of the confined space.

Proper Sampling Can Save Lives

Let’s face it; industrial environments can be dangerous. The U.S Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2006, there were upwards of 700 fatalities relating to gases, either by hazardous gases or fires and explosions.

I truly believe that if we all take the time to properly sample, this number would drop dramatically. In return, we would all be much safer while performing our jobs and more likely to go home to our families at the end of each day.

Jeremy DaValle is a Training Specialist for Industrial Scientific. Jeremy has been with the company for 5 years and has held positions in Repair Service, Field Service, Technical Service, and Training. Jeremy can be reached by calling 412-490-1969 or via e-mail at jdavalle@indsci.com.