California employers must conduct air monitoring for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals or in high-risk scenarios. CDMS’s Certified Industrial Hygienists use calibrated instruments to sample airborne contaminants and compare levels to permissible limits, providing detailed reports with recommendations. Let CDMS handle your compliance air monitoring to ensure exposures are within limits, protect your employees, and avoid OSHA violations.
Air Monitoring/Sampling
Regulatory bodies
- Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA)
- California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Who needs it
Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) requires air monitoring to be conducted when:
- employers are using hazardous materials that are above, or potentially above, Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL).
- there is a change which could indicate that exposure may exceed Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL).
- there are open process tanks.
- when ever there is the potential for airborne lead or cadmium, at any quantity.
Regulation reference
- 29 CFR 1910.1000
- 8 CCR 5155
- 29 CFR 1910.1047
- 8 CCR 5217
- NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods
What our service provides:
CDMS conducts Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) in-plant air sampling of the work environment to determine the level of employee air contaminant exposure. These tests are conducted according to NIOSH/OSHA test procedures.
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When is air sampling required by Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA)?
When exposures potentially exceed Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) or for open process tanks.
What are common air contaminants evaluated?
Solvents, acids, paint fumes, metal particulates, diesel exhaust, silica, lead, cadmium.
Who conducts air sampling?
Industrial hygienists, safety professionals, environmental testing firms. Contact Us to get support or request Air Monitoring/Sampling. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.
What methods are used to sample air?
Personal breathing zone samples, area samples, real-time gas monitors.
Is laboratory analysis required?
Yes, samples require analysis per The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) methods.
How are air sampling results reported?
In a detailed report with procedures, conditions, charts, interpretations.
Can initial monitoring be used to reduce future sampling?
If initial results are under 50% of Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL), frequency can be reduced.
When are repeat samples or periodic monitoring needed?
Annually, if process changes, or if results approach exposure limits.
What are the main OSHA exposure limits of concern?
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Action Levels, Short Term Exposure Limits (STELs).
Are sampling instruments required to be calibrated?
Yes, equipment is calibrated before and after use.
Can employer use Occupational Exposure Banding?
Only for limited applications under specified conditions.
What determines sampling time and volume?
To represent a work shift based on duties and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required?
Respirators if exposure limits are exceeded.
What training for sampling personnel is needed?
Proper instrument use, calibration, procedures.
What are common sampling mistakes?
Improper placement, uncalibrated equipment, improper methods.
How long are air sampling records kept?
At least 30 years is recommended.
When are results shared with employees?
Within 15 days after receipt of lab results.
What regulatory agency oversees air sampling?
Primarily federal Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) and state plan agencies like California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA).
How can sampling results be used to improve safety?
To identify proper engineering controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Is sampling required before using a new chemical?
If exposures are unknown, pre-use monitoring is advisable.
Who can provide the required Air Monitoring/Sampling?
Qualified individuals like certified industrial hygienists, safety professionals. Contact Us to get support or request a Air Monitoring/Sampling. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.