PURPOSE
- To minimize employee exposure to lead and other hazardous metals by evaluating work procedures and engineering controls.
- To format monitoring results to satisfy the requirements and recommendations set forth by OSHA, Department of Labor, NIOSH, JCAHO, and insurance companies that offer liability coverage.
- To utilize testing results as a basis for making appropriate recommendations aimed at reducing employee exposure.
This management program helps follow the guidelines of OSHA standard publication number: (29 CFR 1926.62, 29 CFR 1910.1027), and test the effectiveness of systems designed to reduce employee exposure to lead / cadmium. Metal contamination is usually the result of four main factors:
- Improper ventilation
- Work practice control
- Exhaust system malfunctions
- Engineering controls
PROTOCOL
An OSHA validated monitoring method will be used to measure employee exposure levels for lead and cadmium. Both short and long term personal exposure assessments will be used to meet current federal requirements.
HEALTH CHOICE will also determine air exchange rates by measuring ventilation supply air flow in locations where the monitoring is performed. A Shortridge flowhood will be used to obtain the air flow measurements.