International Occupational Hygiene Association

Measurement of airborne contaminants

in the workplace involves:

Personal sampling, in which air samples are collected in the worker’s breathing zone to measure the amounts of airborne substances inhaled over the working day or for a specific task.

Static or fixed position sampling

in which an air sample is

collected to check whether controls, such as ventilation,

are effective and identify any sources of contamination.

Air sampling is undertaken using approved sampling techniques validated by governmental agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the US.  

The samples are sent to an accredited laboratory, and the results obtained are compared to ‘occupational exposure limits’ or OELs.

Air sampling is carried out for substances in the following forms

Gases

Such as

Hydrogen sulphide

Sulphur dioxide

Ozone

Carbon monoxide

Vapours

Such as

Benzene

Xylene

Toluene

Acetone

Dusts

Such as

Lead dust

Cotton dust

Cement dust

Tea dust

Fumes

Such as

Welding fumes

Diesel fumes

Metal fumes

Solder fumes

Mists

Such as

Chromic acid

Isocyanates

Paint mists