Page 55 - OHS, October 2023

to emit less dust or enclose the process so that the dust does not escape or by extracting the dust near the source using local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Employers should make the process efficient enough to have as few workers in harm’s way as possible. In the hi- erarchy of control, the last thing you apply is respiratory protection. Often, because of poor understanding of toxicity and dust concen- tration, the wrong respiratory protection is used. Businesses can measure worker exposure using personal sam- pling pumps. Employers must determine the amount of silica that workers are exposed to if it is, or may reasonably be expected to be, at or above the action level of 25μg/m3, averaged over an 8-hour day. It is important that the pumps are used with the cor- rect sampling head and, in the case of respirable crystalline silica dust, a cyclone and filter, which collects the particulate. Once the sample is analyzed by a laboratory, the level of ex- posure can be calculated. If the results of this assessment show that the exposure level is above the PEL of 50μg/m3 action is then taken to improve control measures to ensure exposure is reduced to as low as practicably possible. Many improvements have been made to personal sampling pumps over time. Battery technology, back pressure capability, accurate flow control, minimized pulsa- tion, data download and the ability to be intrinsically safe have all been improved, ensuring measurement of an individual’s expo- sure to harmful substances is as accurate as possible. Understand- ing these factors in which the personal sampling pump needs to operate effectively will allow employers to choose the most effec- tive device suited to their working environment. Correct implementation of personal sampling relies on a thor- ough understanding of practice, procedure, how sampling pumps function and use of the correct sampling head and filters. Correct equipment, calibrated properly Personal sampling pumps must adhere to the standard ISO 13137:2013. The standard sets limits for required flow stability and maximum permissible pulsation levels, enabling users of per- sonal air sampling pumps to adopt a consistent approach for flow rate assessment. This standard provides a comprehensive framework that spec- ifies test methods to determine the performance of air sampling pumps and ensures that environmental influences such as air pressure and temperature have a minimal impact on the accuracy of the sampled air, which in turn could affect sample results. Correct equipment — calibrated properly — and an aware- ness of the limitations and impact on data collection that the equipment itself can have, should be at the forefront of correct air monitoring procedures as well as the fight against “the new asbestos.” Pumps that operate with a pulsation value of less than 10 percent and conform to all relevant ISO standards give indus- trial hygienists and site managers the peace of mind that the data captured is reliable and unaffected by pump pulsation. Low pul- Assure your operators and office personnel can safely and quickly escape to a safe location • Integral Blower with Automatic Actuation – dramatically improves protection levels and provides stress free breathing for all wearer fitness levels • Panoramic Field of View – aids safe escape • 30 Minutes of Protection – against toxic industrial chemicals and carbon monoxide • No Nosecup or Mouthbit – eases communication and user recognition • Single Size – reduces logistics burden For more information please scan the QR code wwUwn.toitlheds-o4nl1ine.com OCTOBER 2023 | Occupational Health9&/1S5/a2f3ety12:45 P5M5