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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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This section has some questions our clients commonly ask of us. If it is not addressed here, we will be happy to answer personally. Simply Contact Us and Ask the Expert to satisfy your queries.
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What standards are applicable to Industrial Hygiene?
What standards apply to evaluating workplace noise? What are the requirements of a Hearing Conservation Program? What is the timeframe for conducting exposure assessments? What is an example of one of your Written Safety Programs? What are the Training Requirements for OSHA regulations? What is Air Quality as related to the Indoor environment? What are some symptoms often associated with poor IAQ? What is the Scope of your Services and Associated Fees? What is the Geographical Range of your Services? What standards are applicable to Industrial Hygiene? The field of Industrial Hygiene references two major criteria when evaluating exposures of individuals to chemical or physical agents. One criterion is the regulatory OSHA PEL. A PEL refers to the maximum concentration of a substance to which OSHA allows occupational exposure. Another exposure parameter is the TLV, which is an advisory value espoused by the ACGIH. It represents the most recent data from scientific exposure studies. A PEL or TLV is compared against the sampled concentration as collected over an average workday. These values should not be exceeded to protect the health of the individual. Back to Top What standards apply to evaluating workplace noise? Exposure of employees to noise relates to the OSHA PEL as shown in 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise. The PEL for noise refers to a time-weighted concentration of sound as averaged over a representative work period. For instance, 90 decibels is considered a one hundred percent dose during an eight-hour shift. OSHA also requires that workers not be exposed to impact noise levels exceeding 140 dbA. OSHA also has set an Action Level for noise. For instance, The OSHA Action Level during an eight-hour shift is 85 dbA and equates to a fifty-percent dose. A time-weighted average obtained from an employee that exceeds the Action Level requires that employers include this person within an OSHA Hearing Conservation Program. Back to Top What are the requirements of a Hearing Conservation Program? An exposure exceeding a prescribed Action Level for noise triggers the requirements of the OSHA Hearing Conservation Amendment of 1983 that includes specific actions by the employer such as annual audiograms measuring standard threshold shift, and training. In addition, the amendment requires employers to consider feasible engineering, and administrative controls, and offering earplugs or earmuffs to the employees. Should an exposure of noise exceed the PEL, then employers must enforce the use of these devices by its employees. Back to Top What is the timeframe for conducting exposure assessments? Basically, the requirements and frequency for conducting an employee exposure assessment are dependent upon changes in machinery, processes, employee duties, etc. Generally, most companies will conduct these assessments annually, or as other circumstances often dictate in their workplace. Back to Top What is an example of one of your Written Safety Programs? Almost every OSHA standard requires an employer to have a written program that details the particular responsibilities and procedures under the compliance document. For instance, OSHA requires that some employers be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a written respiratory protection program as stated in CFR 1910.134,(c). It should be pointed out that only under certain conditions where the potential for exposure to chemical substances above the OSHA PEL does exist, would the necessity of such a program be required within the facility. This determination is made by conducting monitoring of representative exposures to employees and considering the influence of engineering, or other modifications on the particular exposure. Back to Top What are the Training Requirements for OSHA regulations? Nearly every OSHA regulation requires employee training in the aspects of the particular standard. As one example, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard under CFR 1910.1200 states the following attributes in regard to training. Annual and new employee training shall include at least: Details of the hazard communication program. Methods that detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals. The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area. Specific measures including procedures, and personal protective equipment. The location and use of material safety data sheets. Back to Top What is Air Quality as related to the Indoor environment? People may suspect the quality of air indoors because often any symptoms will subside when they leave the area. Problems with the quality of air can often be traced to a variety of contributing factors such as insufficient ventilation, and overcrowding, but pre-existing illnesses, excessive noise, poor lighting, or inadequate ergonomics can also detract from optimal health or productivity. Undesirable constituents can include volatile organic compounds from processes, stored chemicals, new furniture, tobacco smoke, microbiological organisms, and outdoor pollutants. During the 1970's, building codes were changed resulting in a virtually air-tight building. As a result, these detractors can become magnified and exacerbate allergies or asthma. Back to Top What are some symptoms often associated with poor IAQ? Symptoms are often diverse and usually not suggestive of any particular allergic reaction or a medical diagnosis. A typical spectrum of symptoms includes headaches, unusual fatigue, varying degrees of itching or burning eyes, skin irritation, nasal congestion, dry or irritated throats, and nausea. Back to Top What is the Scope of your Services and Associated Fees? Our fees for Consulting are based upon an hourly rate of $100.00. Analytical Laboratory Fees will vary as based upon our sampling objectives, but they usually range between $20.00 to $100.00 per sample. Our fees for Training are based upon a flat rate per individual or a group of students. We also offer Qualitative and Quantitative Respiratory Fit Testing at $40.00 and $75.00, per individual per respirator, respectively. Additionally, a fee is determined to recover miscellaneous expenses that often include per diem for travel. We can offer substantial discounts for engagements consisting of substantial size. Please contact us for more details concerning our fees for consulting and training. Back to Top What is the Geographical Range of your Services? The Corporate Office of Bell Environmental Safety Services is located in Louisville, Kentucky; however, we are willing to travel to your location within the contiguous United States. Our prices are quite competitive to accommodate those customers desiring our services on a nationwide basis. Back to Top |
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