Measuring Airborne Silica
If it is known or suspected silica is being used and it may be in the air, the next step is to determine how much there is. To do that, sample the air during the work being conducted.
Respirable Dust - Silica Sampling
Collecting an Air Sample: A trained specialist, such as a certified industrial hygienist, will use a combination device called a cyclone assembly and a sampling pump to trap tiny respirable silica particles from the air in the work environment.
- The cyclone assembly and sampling pump will be placed on an employee, who will wear the device throughout the work shift for up to 8 hours.
- All employees may be fitted with the sampling device or just a select few who are closest to the silica source may be fitted. The industrial hygienist can help you determine what will be most appropriate.
- The hygienist will return at the end of the sampling period to de-activate the sampling pump and remove the filters to be sent for analysis.
Laboratory Analysis: After collecting the air sample, the next task is to select a competent laboratory that does quality analysis work. This is critical to determining compliance with the OSHA crystalline silica standard. The work in monitoring exposure is wasted if samples are mishandled or analyzed incorrectly.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. To measure silica exposure in the workplace, employees may wear a sampling device for _____.
You forgot to answer the question!