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Sampling and Analysis - Data Validation and Interpretation

Sampling and Analysis - Data Validation and Interpretation

Data Validation and Interpretation

When an employee is sampled and the results analyzed, the measured exposure will rarely be the same as the true exposure. This variation is due to sampling and analytical errors (SAE's). The total error depends on the combined effects of the contributing errors inherent in sampling, analysis, and pump flow.

Sampling and Analysis - Analysis

Sampling and Analysis - Analysis

Analysis

Published analytical methods address several hundred possible workplace contaminants. However, these methods do not address all chemical hazards. The following references link to resources that provide analysis information on many chemical hazards.

Sampling and Analysis - Sampling

Sampling and Analysis - Sampling

Sampling

Effective and efficient sampling strategies require planning and foresight to ensure the most productive and thorough evaluation of contaminants in the workplace. The following references provide information about chemical sampling.

Survey Protocol

Prior to conducting chemical sampling a survey protocol should be developed. This protocol serves as a guide in performing the survey. The amount of detail necessary will depend on the purpose of the survey and to whom the results will be submitted. At a minimum, the protocol should include the following:

Sampling and Analysis - Standards

Standards

Sampling and analysis hazards are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry.  This section highlights OSHA standards and documents related to sampling and analysis.

OSHA Standards

1,1,2,2-TETRACHLOROETHANE

Chemical Identification

CAS # 79-34-5
Formula

C₂H₂Cl₄

Synonyms

acetylene tetrachloride; tetrachloroethane; 1,1-dichloro-2,2-dichloroethane

Physical Properties

Physical description Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet odor.
Boiling point 295°F Molecular weight 167.86
Freezing point/melting point -33°F Vapor pressure 5 mmHg
Flash point Vapor density 5.79
Specific gravity 1.595 Ionization potential 11.10 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Analyte code (IMIS no.) 2340
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media solid sorbent tube (petroleum charcoal, 100/50 mg)
Sampling time*
Sampling volume (TWA)*

0.01 - 0.2 L/min

Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

3 L @ 5 ppm - 30 L

Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments GC-FID
Method reference NIOSH 1019 (partially validated)
Notes
Special requirements

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method

Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)

Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA

5 ppm (35 mg/m³)

REL-TWA

1 ppm (7 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA

1 ppm [1995]

PEL-TWA
 

1 ppm (7 mg/m³)

PEL-STEL REL-STEL TLV-STEL PEL-STEL
 

 

PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C
 

 

Skin notation

Y

Skin notation

Y

Skin notation
 

Y

Skin notation
 

Y

Notes:

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

Notes:

CARCINOGEN (Ca): REDUCE EXPOSURE TO LOWEST FEASIBLE CONCENTRATION. See Appendix A, NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens.

Notes:
 

 

Notes:
 

 

Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
 

100 ppm [Ca]

Carcinogenic classifications: TLV-A3 Notes:
 

 

AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:
 

 

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 09/22/2022

ETHYL ALCOHOL (ETHANOL)†

Chemical Identification

CAS # 64-17-5
Formula

C₂H₆O

Synonyms
 

ethanol; alcohol; ETOH; methyl carbinol; ethyl hydrate; grain alcohol

Physical Properties

Physical description Clear, colorless liquid with a weak, ethereal, vinous odor.
Boiling point 173°F Molecular weight 46.1
Freezing point/melting point -173°F Vapor pressure 44 mmHg
Flash point 55°F Vapor density 1.59
Specific gravity 0.79 Ionization potential 10.47 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) 3.3% Upper explosive limit (UEL) 19%
NFPA health rating 2 NFPA fire rating 3
NFPA reactivity rating 0 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Analyte code (IMIS no.) 1060
Sampling group OVSG-2
Sampler/Sampling media 2 Anasorb 747 sampling tubes (6 mm glass tubes, the front tube contains 400 and the back 200 mg of sorbent) connected in series [SKC 226-82], tube holder [SKC 222-3L-1], Type D cover [SKC 224-29D]
Sampling time*
 

240 min

Sampling volume (TWA)*
 

12 L

Sampling flow rate (TWA)*
 

0.05 L/min

Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments GC-FID
Method reference OSHA 5001 (fully validated)
Notes
 

Separate and seal each tube after sampling.

Special requirements
 

 

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method

Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
 

 

Bulk Method
 

 

On-Site Screening Techniques

Device Detector tube Detector tube Detector tube CMS Chip
Model/Type Dräger - Alcohol 25/a, 8101631 Gastec 112 Matheson-Kitagawa 8014-104SA Ethanol, 100-2500 ppm range
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)
10 strokes; approx 10-2000 ppm range; uncertainty approx 41% 0.5-2 strokes; 0.004-7.5% range; uncertainty 25% for 0.05-0.5%, 16% for 0.5-2.5% 1 stroke; approx 0.02-5% range

Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA
 

1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)

REL-TWA
 

1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA
 

 

PEL-TWA
 

1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)

PEL-STEL
 

 

REL-STEL
 

 

TLV-STEL
 

1000 ppm [2008]

PEL-STEL
 

 

PEL-C
 

 

REL-C
 

 

TLV-C
 

 

PEL-C
 

 

Skin notation
 

N

Skin notation
 

N

Skin notation
 

N

Skin notation
 

N

Notes:
 

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

Notes:
 

 

Notes:
 

 

Notes:
 

 

Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
 

3300 ppm

Carcinogenic classifications: TLV-A3 Notes:
 

10% of LEL

AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:
 

1800 ppm/3300 ppm/--

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 06/14/2023

SOLDER/WELDING FUMES

Chemical Identification

CAS # Varies
Formula
Synonyms

Physical Properties

Physical description
Boiling point Molecular weight
Freezing point/melting point Vapor pressure
Flash point Vapor density
Specific gravity Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Analyte code (IMIS no.)
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media
Sampling time*
Sampling volume (TWA)*
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments
Method reference
Notes

Typical metals contained in Solder Fumes, such as lead, can be requested in Metals sampling group 3 - see LEAD with METALSSG-3.

Typical metals contained in Welding Fumes, such as lead, can be requested in Metals sampling group 2 - see LEAD with METALSSG-2.

Special requirements

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method

Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)

Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA REL-TWA TLV-TWA PEL-TWA
PEL-STEL REL-STEL TLV-STEL PEL-STEL
PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C
Skin notation Skin notation Skin notation Skin notation
Notes: Notes: Notes: Notes:
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
Carcinogenic classifications: Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 07/06/2023

CADMIUM DUST (as Cd)‡

Chemical Identification

CAS # 7440-43-9 (elemental)
Formula
Synonyms

Physical Properties

Physical description
Boiling point Molecular weight
Freezing point/melting point Vapor pressure 0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point Vapor density
Specific gravity Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Analyte code (IMIS no.)
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media
Sampling time*
Sampling volume (TWA)*
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments
Method reference
Notes

see CADMIUM

Special requirements

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method

Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)

Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA

5 µg/m³ [2.5 µg/m³ Action Level]

REL-TWA TLV-TWA PEL-TWA

0.005 mg/m³

PEL-STEL REL-STEL TLV-STEL PEL-STEL
PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C
Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Notes:

See 29 CFR 1910.1027 and 29 CFR 1926.1127 (Construction) for additional information. The PELs listed in 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-2 for cadmium fume and cadmium dust apply to any operations or sectors for which the Cadmium standard, CFR 1910.1027, is stayed or otherwise not in effect.

Notes:

CARCINOGEN (Ca): REDUCE EXPOSURE TO LOWEST FEASIBLE CONCENTRATION (LOQ 0.1 mg/m³). See Appendix A, NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens

Notes:

Visit the ACGIH TLV site for specific data
BEI®

Notes:
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH

9 mg/m³

Carcinogenic classifications: IARC-1, NIOSH-Ca, NTP-K, OSHA-Ca, TLV-A2, EPA-B1 Notes:

Ca

AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 04/08/2024

COPPER, FUME (as Cu)†

Chemical Identification

CAS # 7440-50-8 (copper); 1317-38-0 (copper oxide)
Formula

Cu

Synonyms

copper metal dusts; copper metal fume; black copper oxide fume; copper monoxide fume; copper(II) oxide fume; cupric oxide fume

Physical Properties

Physical description Reddish, lustrous, malleable, odorless solid.
Boiling point 4703°F Molecular weight 63.5
Freezing point/melting point 1981°F Vapor pressure 0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point Vapor density
Specific gravity 8.94 Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Analyte code (IMIS no.) 0731 See 0730
Sampling group METALSSG-2 METALSSG-3
Sampler/Sampling media Pre-assembled cassette with mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (25 or 37 mm) [MAWP025A0 or MAWP037A0] Mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (37 mm) and filter spacer with Na₂CO₃ impregnated backup pad, in a 3-piece cassette [SKC 225-9001]
Sampling time*

240-480 min

240-480 min

Sampling volume (TWA)*

480-960 L

480-960 L

Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

2 L/min

2 L/min

Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments ICP ICP-MS
Method reference OSHA ID-125G (fully validated) OSHA ID-206 (fully validated)
Notes

Results are provided for the presence and amount or concentration of a specific element or elements. The stated identity of the actual sample contents (such as a specific form or compound) is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.

The physical form of a sample (dust, mist, or fume) is identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.

Smaller filters recommended for sampling inside welding hoods.

Results are provided for the presence and amount or concentration of a specific element or elements. The stated identity of the actual sample contents (such as a specific form or compound) is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.

The physical form of a sample (dust, mist, or fume) is identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.

Special requirements

For the entire suite of analytes listed in METALSSG-2, request analyte code 2587.

For the entire suite of analytes listed in METALSSG-3, which may be found during soldering and brazing operations, request analyte code S131.

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method

Wipe Sampler/Sampling media

See sampling group information for media.

Bulk Method

Available

On-Site Screening Techniques

Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)

Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA

0.1 mg/m³ (fume)

REL-TWA

0.1 mg/m³ (fume)

TLV-TWA

0.2 mg/m³ (fume) [1990]

PEL-TWA

0.1 mg/m³ (copper metal fume)

PEL-STEL REL-STEL TLV-STEL PEL-STEL
PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C
Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Notes:

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

Notes: Notes: Notes:
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH

100 mg/m³

Carcinogenic classifications: Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 06/14/2023