• Carbon Monoxide in Workplace Atmospheres (Direct-Reading Monitor). OSHA Method ID-209, (1993, March). Includes evaluation information for the direct-reading monitor utilized by the method.
• Carbon Dioxide Backup Data Report. OSHA Method ID-172, (1990, June). Includes comparison methods that utilized detector tubes and a portable infrared gas analyzer.
• Chemical Sampling Information. OSHA. Includes information on direct-reading methods for a given chemical.
• NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM), 4th Ed. Department of Health and Human Services, (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational SAfety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-113, (1994, August). The NMAM Chapters contain useful information on methods, Quality Assurance, method evaluation, biological monitoring, aerosols, and special measurement considerations. The following NIOSH methods utilize direct-reading techniques:
  • 3700, Benzene (portable GC), 19 KB PDF, 4 pages.
  • 3701, Trichloroethylene (portable GC), 16 KB PDF, 3 pages.
  • 3702, Ethylene Oxide (portable GC), 26 KB PDF, 4 pages.
  • 6600, Nitrous Oxide (portable IR), 23 KB PDF, 3 pages.
• The following NIOSH publications are not available online but can be ordered by calling 1-800-35NIOSH or by e-mailing the NIOSH Publications Office:
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading Combustible Gas Meters. Publication No. 74-107.
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading NO₂ Meters. Publication No. 74-108.
  • Evaluation of Portable-Reading Sulfur Dioxide Meters. Publication No. 75-105.
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading Carbon Monoxide Meters. Publication No. 75-106.
  • Theoretical and Laboratory Evaluation of a Portable, Direct-Reading Particulate Mass Concentration Instrument. Publication No. 76-114.
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading Ozone Meters. Publication No. 76-132.
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading NO-NO_X Meters. Publication No. 76-161.
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading Hydrocarbon Meters. Publication No. 76-166.
  • Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading Mercury Vapor Meters. Publication No. 76-167.
  • An Evaluation of Portable, Direct-Reading H₂S Meters. Publication No. 77-137.

Due to the volume of information pertaining to this topic Video Exposure Monitors is contained on a separate page.

• 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Direct-reading instruments are an important element of the monitoring program outlined by this standard.
• 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-required confined spaces. Confined spaces must be tested before entry with a direct-reading instrument for oxygen content, flammable gases and vapors, and toxic contaminants.
• 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. Direct-reading instruments are required to test for oxygen-deficient atmospheres and flammable gases and vapors.
• 29 CFR 1910.272, Grain handling facilities. Requires that the atmospheres of bins, silos, and tanks are tested before entry.
  • Appendix A, Grain handling facilities. It specifically states that direct-reading instruments should be used to periodically monitor atmospheres in bins, silos, and tanks.
• 29 CFR 1915.12, Precautions and the order of testing before entering confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres. Includes similar requirements to 1910.146.
• 29 CFR 1926.65, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Contains requirements identical to 1910.120 regarding direct-reading instruments used in construction.

• Superfund Site Inspections. These inspections evaluated the use of direct-reading methods as part of the exposure assessment program:
  • Summary report on OSHA inspections conducted at superfund incinerator sites. (1993, September 16).
• Interpretation concerning 1910.120 requirements for air monitoring, a site safety and health plan, training, and medical surveillance. (1988, August 19). Colorimetric indicator tubes may be a useful and acceptable approach for selected hazardous substances as a component of the air monitoring plan tailored to site specific conditions.

• OSHA Training Institute Schedule Search
• Workshop - What to Look for in Gas Detection and Measurement Instrumentation. OSHA Slide Presentation, (1998, October 28), 76 slides. Explains the theory of gas detection techniques used in portable instruments, identifies advantages/disadvantages of each technique, and covers other factors to consider when purchasing or using gas monitors.

• The Industrial Environment, its Evaluation and Control. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 74-117, (1973).
• Direct Reading Instruments for Determining Concentrations of Aerosols, Gases and Vapors. 1 MB PDF, 26 pages.
• The following publications are available for purchase from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA):
  • Aerosol Science for Industrial Hygienists. Publication No. 246-SI-96R, (1995). Includes information on direct-reading monitoring for workplace aerosols.
  • Direct-Reading Instrumental Methods for Gases, Vapors, and Aerosols. Lori A. Todd, Ph.D., CIH, in The Occupational Environment — its Evaluation and Control, Chapter 9. Publication No. 252-BP-97, (1997).
  • Direct-Reading Colorimetric Indicator Tubes Manual, Second Edition. Publication No. 172-SI-93, (1993).
  • Manual of Recommended Practice for Combustible Gas Indicators and Portable Direct-Reading Hydrocarbon Detectors, Second Edition. Publication No. 158-SI-93, (1993).
  • Manual of Recommended Practice for Portable Direct-Reading Carbon Monoxide Indicators. Publication No. 175-SI-85, (1985).
• The following publications are available for purchase from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH):
  • Air Sampling Instruments, 9th Ed. Publication No.0031, (2001). Includes information on several types of direct-reading instruments.
  • EPA Training Manual #7 - Emergency Response to Hazardous Material Incidents. ACGIH Publication No. 3115 (EPA Manual 165.16). Includes information on using direct-reading instruments for evaluating and mitigating the release of hazardous materials.
• Direct-Reading Instruments for Gases, Vapors, and Particulates. Rolf M.A. Hahne, PhD, CIH, in Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, 5th Ed., Chapter 17. National Safety Council Product No. 15148-0000, (2002). This reference is available for purchase from NSC under Products, Publications, Manuals.

• OSHA Compliance Issues: Correcting Common Health And Safety Program Deficiencies At Remediation Sites. OSHA, (1996, June). Includes some discussion regarding the appropriate use of direct-reading instruments.
• EPA/Labor Superfund Health and Safety Task Force: OSHA Audits of Superfund Sites from 1993 to 1996. OSHA, (1997, August 25).