NCSH-449 - Workplace Air Contaminant Sampling & Analysis

Course Description

Prerequisite: OSHA 521 – OSHA’s Guide to Industrial Hygiene

Do you perform occupational health and safety activities on a full or part time basis? Is industrial or occupational hygiene one of your responsibilities?  What are workplace air contaminants and why is it important to quantify and clarify the hazards and how can you make better decisions? Air contaminants are commonly classified as either particulate or gas and vapor contaminants. The most common particulate contaminants include dusts, fumes, mists, aerosols, and fibers, and this course will elevate your knowledge and skills in the area of sampling and analysis.

The knowledge exchange in this two day Keene State College course is fundamental to controlling hazards in the workplace. Become a wiser consumer of occupational/industrial hygiene services, consider the parameters for prequalifying IH technicians and vendors and laboratories, and establishing a relationship with resources. Discussion of selection and calibration of equipment, including the many simple to very expensive options available today.

Topics include:

• Area and personal air sampling
• Source and emission sampling
• Biological chemical and radiological air contaminants
• Collecting air contaminants in the workplace
• Analyzing samples in the field or in the laboratory
• Selecting equipment and instrumentation
• Purchase and rental of instruments
• Sampling methodology and statistics
• Calibrating of air sampling and analysis devices