Respirable particles are of a size which can be inhaled past the upper respiratory tract and deposit into the gas-exchange region of the lungs. Total samples are exactly that, measuring all of the particles in the air that get collected on a filter disk, whereas a respirable sample typically uses a device called a cyclone, which separates out large particles that are outside of the respirable size range. Particles are measured by collecting either “total” or “respirable” samples depending on the target contaminant. Particulate complaints range from explicitly regulated compounds like silica, asbestos, and heavy metals to what OSHA refers to as “particles not otherwise regulated”, or nuisance dust.
Many complaints can be very complex, and this blog will only skim the surface. It should also be said that this blog should not be used as a replacement for consulting with a qualified industrial hygiene professional. In this blog, I am more focused on worker exposures to particles and chemicals I will not cover other workplace issues such as combustible dusts, flammability or explosive limits. We commonly deal with two categories of OSHA complaints: particulate and chemical. OSHA complaints can come in many forms, what we will be talking about today are specific complaints related to air quality and worker exposure in the workplace. One of the most dreaded things a facility manager or business owner can receive is a notice from OSHA about a workplace complaint.
0 kommentar(er)
