Industrial Hygiene 4
exstiscailloueh
February 4, 2013
Mr. Bob Johnson
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
100 Main Street
Happy Valley, Washington 70001
SUBJECT: ANNUAL AIR SAMPLING SURVEY
Dear Mr. Johnson:
The subject report is attached and discusses the results of the air sampling survey I conducted on
December 13th at the ACME Printing Corporation facility in Happy Valley, WS. The purpose of the
survey was to evaluate personal exposures to select components of commonly used chemicals
associated with the ACME printing process. An additional sample was collected to assess ambient
concentrations of ozone. A discussion of relevant exposure limits is included.
If there are any comments or questions, call me at 720/123-4567.
Thank you.
Signature Here
Sam “IH” Sampler
Industrial Hygienist
1234 1 st Street
Gilbert, WS 70002
720/123-4567
2012 ANNUAL AIR SAMPLING REPORT
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
February 4, 2013
Sampling Conducted By:
Sam “IH” Sampler
Industrial Hygienist
1234 1 st Street
Gilbert, WS 70002
720/123-4567
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ACME Printing Corporation has had an active air sampling program in place for several years. Air
sampling was conducted to assess personal exposures to select components of commonly used
chemicals associated with the printing process. An additional sample was collected to assess ambient
concentrations of ozone. A total of five personal samples were collected and analyzed for ink
components; one area sample was collected and analyzed for ozone. Sampling was conducted in
accordance with established procedures with results being compared to two relevant exposure limits.
Personal samples ranged from 14.8 - 59.0% of the calculated additive Permissible Exposure Limit (i.e.
n-propanol and n-propyl acetate combined). The results are in general agreement with samples taken
in previous years. The area sample result for ozone was deemed insignificant after it was determined
that the lamination process was non-operational the day of the study. Recommendations are made to
share results with affected personnel, continue the annual sampling survey and conduct another ozone
study.
BACKGROUND
The printing industry uses a variety of inks, solvents and adhesives that have chemical constituents
deemed hazardous according to definitions established by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). Federal regulations require employers to evaluate employee exposures to
select substances and assure that airborne concentrations do not exceed 8-hour, time-weighted
averages known as Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). Employee exposures below PELs are not
expected to cause adverse health effects in a majority of a healthy working population.
To evaluate exposures, ACME Printing has been conducting air sampling on an annual basis for
several years. Previous year’s results have generally shown personal sampling results at or below 50%
of the applicable PEL. Area samples in high traffic areas near production units have shown levels
below PELs. Additional process-specific studies have also been conducted and have shown localized
areas where ambient concentrations exceed the applicable PEL. However, given the highly variable
nature of work activities, workers do not occupy these areas for enough time to reach the PEL.
Finally, air sampling surveys have been conducted that characterize short-duration, potentially high
exposure activities. These studies showed ambient vapor concentrations near the associated OSHA
short term exposure limit but concluded that the infrequent nature of the activity and the “worst case”
design used for the study resulted in low worker exposure potential.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS & EXPOSURE POTENTIAL
A review of current chemical usage shows that inks and adhesives are two of the most commonly used chemical
materials across the plant. A review of the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for a typical ink and adhesive used shows
two primary ingredients: n-propyl alcohol (n-propanol) and n- propyl acetate. A brief hazard review and
exposure assessment is as follows:
Chemical Name CAS#
Primary
Route(s) of
Exposure
Health Hazard Exposure
Potential
n-propyl alcohol 71-23-8
inhalation,
dermal
absorption
irritation eyes, nose, throat; dry
cracking skin; drowsiness,
headache; ataxia,
gastrointestinal pain; abdominal
cramps, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea
Chemical used
daily;
inhalation is
likely based on
usage; skin
contact is
minimized via
use of gloves.
n-propyl acetate 109-60-4
inhalation,
dermal
absorption
irritation eyes, nose, throat;
narcosis; dermatitis
Chemical used
daily;
inhalation is
likely based on
usage; skin
contact is
minimized via
use of gloves. Source: Centers for Disease Control (2011) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide.
Retrieved April, 2014 at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
To evaluate exposure potential, ACME Printing Corporation has been conducting air sampling on an
annual basis for several years. Previous year’s results have generally shown personal sampling results
at or below 50% of the applicable PEL. Several other exposure studies have been conducted on a
process-specific basis and have also documented low worker exposure potential. However, given the
variable nature of the business, ACME Printing Corporation has taken a prudent approach of
documenting worker exposures on an annual basis.
SAMPLING STRATEGY
A sampling strategy was devised in consultation with the Plant Director. In addition to the organic
constituents routinely included in past annual surveys, an area sample was collected for ozone. Ozone
is a by-product of the lamination process and has been of interest to plant personnel recently. The
following samples were collected for this year’s study:
Personal Sample – Josh, W&H 3 - n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Jake, W&H 2 - n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Percy, Vision - n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Mike, Pre-Press - n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Personal Sample – Ronnie, W&H 3 – n-propanol, n-propyl acetate
Area Sample – Laminator Work Station - ozone
SAMPLING METHODOLOGY
A total of 5 personal air samples and 1 area sample were collected. Air sampling was conducted using
a sampling pump and appropriate filter media provided by the analytical lab contracted for the project.
Pumps were operated for as close to a full shift as possible with a flow rate that ensured collection of
the necessary air volume stated in the analytical method established by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). All pumps were pre- and post-calibrated to ensure accurate
air flow rates. Personal samples were placed in the breathing zone of the employee with the sampling
cassette being attached to the lapel; the area sample was placed in a location where employees are
expected to spend most their time. Sampling media was sent for analysis to a laboratory accredited by
the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
SAMPLING RESULTS
Attachment A contains Tables 1-6 that summarize the sampling results. All personal monitoring results
were compared to the applicable PEL. For n-propyl alcohol and n-propyl acetate, an additive formula
method was used. Since both materials have similar potential adverse health effects (e.g. both affect
the central nervous system), it is acceptable to consider exposure to each in an additive fashion (see
data tables for specific calculations).
Table 1 shows personal air sampling results for Josh, W&H 2. This sample showed an ambient
concentration of n-propanol of 47.0 parts per million (ppm) and 14.0 ppm of n-propyl acetate. The
additive percentage of the PEL is 30.5%.
Table 2 shows personal air sampling results for Jake, W&H 2. This sample showed an ambient
concentration of n-propanol of 64.0 parts per million (ppm) and 26.0 ppm of n-propyl acetate. The
additive percentage of the PEL is 40.0%.
Table 3 shows personal air sampling results for Percy, Vision. This sample showed an ambient
concentration of n-propanol of 23.0 parts per million (ppm) and 6.5 ppm of n-propyl acetate. The
additive percentage of the PEL is 14.8%.
Table 4 shows personal air sampling results for Mike, Pre-Press. This sample showed an ambient
concentration of n-propanol of 32.0 parts per million (ppm) and 10.0 ppm of n-propyl acetate. The
additive percentage of the PEL is 21.0%.
Table 5 shows personal air sampling results for Ronnie, W&H 3. This sample showed an ambient
concentration of n-propanol of 91.0 parts per million (ppm) and 27.0 ppm of n-propyl acetate. The
additive percentage of the PEL is 59.0%.
Table 6 shows area sampling for the sample taken at the laminator work station. This sample showed
an ambient concentration of ozone of <0.013 ppm which is 2.5% of the PEL.
DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
All personal samples are below their respective PELs and in general agreement with the range of
personal exposures measured in previous years. Although ACME Printing continues to be in
compliance with OSHA regulations, it is a best management practice to keep employee exposures
below 50% of the relevant PEL. Accordingly, ACME Printing should continue to conduct annual
sampling and periodically assess any trends associated with exposures (i.e. are exposures regularly
exceeding 50% of the PEL). Recommendations are as follows:
1) Share sampling information with employees. ACME Printing has a strong record of sharing monitoring results with affected employees. Employees are well versed in the meaning of
sampling and employee exposure results.
2) Continue the annual air sampling program. Day to day operations can change and may impact exposure potential to employees. It is prudent to conduct regular air sampling even though
ACME Printing is full compliance with OSHA regulations.
3) Conduct a separate study to evaluate ozone concentrations. It is unfortunate that the lamination unit did not end up running on the day of sampling. A separate study should be
conducted to fully evaluate ambient ozone concentrations.
ATTACHMENT A
PERSONAL & AREA SAMPLE DATA
TABLES 1-6
TABLE 1 - PERSONAL AIR SAMPLING RESULTS
Josh
W&H 3
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
Sampling Date: December 13, 2012
Sampling Conducted by: Sam “IH” Sampler
NOTES:
1) Abbreviations:
ppm = part of analyte per million parts of air
OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration
PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
% PEL = what percent the measured concentration is of the PEL
2) Definitions:
PEL - legally enforceable, 8-hour, time-weighted average concentrations allowed during a
work shift; concentrations below OSHA PEL are not expected to cause adverse health effects in
the majority of workers.
3) Additive Formula Calculation:
“*” = % PEL calculated using OSHA additive formula: (concentration of contaminant 1
divided by OSHA PEL for contaminant 1) + (concentration of contaminant 2 divided by OSHA
PEL for contaminant 2):
(n-propanol: 47.0/200) + (n-propyl acetate: 14.0/200) = 23.5 + 7.0 = 30.5
LOCATION SAMPLE
TYPE
ANALYTE RESULT
(ppm)
OSHA PEL
(ppm)
(% PEL)*
>PEL?
Josh
W&H 2 Personal
n-Propanol 47.0 200 (30.5)
No n-Propyl Acetate 14.0 200
TABLE 2 - PERSONAL AIR SAMPLING RESULTS
Jake
W&H 2
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
Sampling Date: December 13, 2012
Sampling Conducted by: Sam “IH” Sampler
NOTES:
1) Abbreviations:
ppm = part of analyte per million parts of air
OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration
PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
% PEL = what percent the measured concentration is of the PEL
2) Definitions:
PEL - legally enforceable, 8-hour, time-weighted average concentrations allowed during a
work shift; concentrations below OSHA PEL are not expected to cause adverse health effects in
the majority of workers.
3) Additive Formula Calculation:
“*” = % PEL calculated using OSHA additive formula: (concentration of contaminant 1
divided by OSHA PEL for contaminant 1) + (concentration of contaminant 2 divided by OSHA
PEL for contaminant 2):
(n-propanol: 64.0/200) + (n-propyl acetate: 16.0/200) = 32.0 + 8.0 = 40.0
LOCATION SAMPLE
TYPE
ANALYTE RESULT
(ppm)
OSHA PEL
(ppm)
(% PEL)*
>PEL?
Jake
W&H 2 Personal
n-Propanol 64.0 200 (40.0)
No n-Propyl Acetate 16.0 200
TABLE 3 - PERSONAL AIR SAMPLING RESULTS
Percy
Vision
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
Sampling Date: December 13, 2012
Sampling Conducted by: Sam “IH” Sampler
NOTES:
1) Abbreviations:
ppm = part of analyte per million parts of air
OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration
PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
% PEL = what percent the measured concentration is of the PEL
2) Definitions:
PEL - legally enforceable, 8-hour, time-weighted average concentrations allowed during a
work shift; concentrations below OSHA PEL are not expected to cause adverse health effects in
the majority of workers.
3) Additive Formula Calculation:
“*” = % PEL calculated using OSHA additive formula: (concentration of contaminant 1
divided by OSHA PEL for contaminant 1) + (concentration of contaminant 2 divided by OSHA
PEL for contaminant 2):
(n-propanol: 23.0/200) + (n-propyl acetate: 6.5/200) = 11.5 + 3.3 = 14.8
LOCATION SAMPLE
TYPE
ANALYTE RESULT
(ppm)
OSHA PEL
(ppm)
(% PEL)*
>PEL?
Percy
Vision Personal
n-Propanol 23.0 200 (35.7)
No n-Propyl Acetate 6.5 200
TABLE 4 - PERSONAL AIR SAMPLING RESULTS
Mike
Pre-Press
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
Sampling Dates: December 13, 2012
Sampling Conducted by: Sam “IH” Sampler
NOTES:
1) Abbreviations:
ppm = part of analyte per million parts of air
OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration
PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
% PEL = what percent the measured concentration is of the PEL
2) Definitions:
PEL - legally enforceable, 8-hour, time-weighted average concentrations allowed during a
work shift; concentrations below OSHA PEL are not expected to cause adverse health effects in
the majority of workers.
3) Additive Formula Calculation:
“*” = % PEL calculated using OSHA additive formula: (concentration of contaminant 1
divided by OSHA PEL for contaminant 1) + (concentration of contaminant 2 divided by OSHA
PEL for contaminant 2):
(n-propanol: 32.0/200) + (n-propyl acetate: 10.0/200) = 16.0 + 5.0 = 21.0
LOCATION SAMPLE
TYPE
ANALYTE RESULT
(ppm)
OSHA PEL
(ppm)
(% PEL)*
>PEL?
Mike
Pre-Press Personal
n-Propanol 32.0 200 (21.0)
No n-Propyl Acetate 10.0 200
TABLE 5. PERSONAL AIR SAMPLING RESULTS
Ronnie
W&H 3
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
Sampling Date: December 13, 2012
Sampling Conducted by: Sam “IH” Sampler
NOTES:
1) Abbreviations:
ppm = part of analyte per million parts of air
OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration
PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
% PEL = what percent the measured concentration is of the PEL
2) Definitions:
PEL - legally enforceable, 8-hour, time-weighted average concentrations allowed during a
work shift; concentrations below OSHA PEL are not expected to cause adverse health effects in
the majority of workers.
3) Additive Formula Calculation:
“*” = % PEL calculated using OSHA additive formula: (concentration of contaminant 1
divided by OSHA PEL for contaminant 1) + (concentration of contaminant 2 divided by OSHA
PEL for contaminant 2):
(n-propanol: 91.0/200) + (n-propyl acetate: 27.0/200) = 45.5 + 13.5 = 59.0
LOCATION SAMPLE
TYPE
ANALYTE RESULT
(ppm)
OSHA PEL
(ppm)
(% PEL)*
>PEL?
Ronnie
W&H 3 Personal
n-Propanol 91.0 200 (59.0)
Yes n-Propyl Acetate 27.0 200
TABLE 6. AREA SAMPLING RESULTS
Area Sample
Laminator Work Station
ACME Printing Corporation, Inc.
Sampling Date: December 13, 2012
Sampling Conducted by: Sam “IH” Sampler
NOTES:
1) Abbreviations:
ppm = part of analyte per million parts of air
OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration
PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
% PEL = what percent the measured concentration is of the PEL
2) Definitions:
PEL - legally enforceable, 8-hour, time-weighted average concentrations allowed during a
work shift; OSHA PEL are not expected to cause adverse health effects in the majority of
workers.
3) NOTE: It was determined after sampling that the laminator unit was not operational on the day
of sampling. Accordingly, the above data is of no significance from an exposure perspective.
LOCATION SAMPLE
TYPE
ANALYTE RESULT
(ppm)
OSHA PEL
(ppm)
(% PEL)
>PEL?
Laminator
Work Station Area Ozone <0.013 0.1
(<1.25)
No