Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work

List of Figures

Preface

Acknowledgements

Units and Abbreviations

Part 1 Introduction

Chapter 1 Occupational Hygiene and Risk Assessment

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Hazard and risk
• 1.3 Risk assessment
• 1.4 The stages of a risk assessment
• 1.4.1 Identify the hazard
• 1.4.2 Decide who might be affected and how
• 1.4.3 Evaluate the risks
• 1.4.4 Take preventative and protective measures
• 1.4.5 Record the significant findings
• 1.4.6 Review the assessment regularly and revise it if necessary
• 1.5 Who should carry out risk assessment?
• 1.6 References and further reading

Chapter 2 Identifying Hazards

• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 Identifying hazards
• 2.3 Example of hazard identification
• 2.4 Conclusions arising from a hazard assessment
• 2.5 References and further reading 

Chapter 3 Exposure, Exposure Routes and Exposure Pathways

• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Exposure routes
• 3.3 Exposure pathways
• 3.4 Measuring exposure
• 3.5 Biological monitoring
• 3.6 Exposure assessment: what the legislation requires
• 3.7 Conclusions
• 3.8 References and further reading 

Chapter 4 The Exposure Context

• 4.1 Context for measurement
• 4.2 Sources of hazardous substances
• 4.3 Dispersion through the workroom
• 4.4 Receptor
• 4.5 Jobs and tasks
• 4.6 Conclusion
• 4.7 References and further reading 

Chapter 5 Modelling Exposure

• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Worst case models
• 5.3 Control banding and COSHH Essentials
• 5.4 Screening tools used for regulation of chemicals in Europe
• 5.5 The Advanced REACH Tool
• 5.6 Conclusions and prospects
• 5.7 References and further reading 

Chapter 6 Why Measure?

• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Reasons for undertaking monitoring
• 6.2.1 To support a risk assessment
• 6.2.2 To assess compliance with an OEL
• 6.2.3 To make a comparison with existing data
• 6.2.4 To provide baseline information on the exposure distributions within a plant
• 6.2.5 Supporting information for registration submissions under the REACH Regulations
• 6.2.6 Containment capability studies
• 6.2.7 To underpin a research study
• 6.3 References and further reading 

Chapter 7 How to carry out a survey

• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Planning the survey
• 7.3 Workplace monitoring
• 7.4 Monitoring strategies
• 7.5 Quality assurance and quality control
• 7.6 References and further reading 

Chapter 8 Analysis of Measurement Results

• 8.1 Introduction
• 8.2 Dealing with variability in measurement results
• 8.3 Summary statistics and data presentation
• 8.4 Testing compliance
• 8.5 Other software tools to aid data analysis
• 8.6 References and further reading 

Chapter 9 Introduction to Control

• 9.1 Introduction
• 9.2 Specific control measures
• 9.2.1 Elimination
• 9.2.2 Substitution
• 9.2.3 Total enclosure
• 9.2.4 Technological solutions
• 9.2.5 Segregation
• 9.2.6 Partial enclosure
• 9.2.7 Local ventilation
• 9.2.8 General ventilation
• 9.2.9 Personal protective equipment
• 9.3 The effectiveness of control measures
• 9.4 References and further reading 

Chapter 10 The importance of good records and how to write a survey report

• 10.1 Record, educate and influence
• 10.2 Measurement records
• 10.3 Survey reports
• 10.3.1 General principles of writing a good report
• 10.3.2 Report structure
• 10.3.3 Common pitfalls and administrative points
• 10.4 References and further reading 

Chapter 11 Risk Assessment

• 11.1 Introduction
• 11.2 Identify all hazardous substances or agents
• 11.3 Identify the likely levels of exposure
• 11.4 Identify all persons likely to be exposed
• 11.5 Assess whether the exposures are likely to cause harm
• 11.6 Consider elimination or substitution
• 11.7 Define additional control measures necessary to reduce the harm to acceptable levels
• 11.8 References and further reading 

Chapter 12 Risk Communication

• 12.1 Introduction
• 12.2 Risk perception
• 12.3 Trust
• 12.4 Principles of good Risk Communication
• 12.4.1 Know your constraints before you start
• 12.4.2 Define the role of the communicator
• 12.4.3 Research your audience
• 12.4.4. Timing
• 12.5 The Presentation
• 12.6 Communicating risk
• 12.7 Quantitative risk assessment to aid risk communication
• 12.8 References and further reading

Part 2 Hazardous substances

Chapter 13 An introduction to hazardous substances

• 13.1 Introduction
• 13.2 The complexities of modern workplaces
• 13.3 The top five hazardous carcinogens
• 13.4 Substances of concern for the respiratory system
• 13.5 Pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other biologically active substances
• 13.6 Organic chemicals
• 13.7 Summary
• 13.8 References and further reading 

Chapter 14 Dusts, Particles and Fibrous Aerosols

• 14.1 Introduction
• 14.2 Airborne particulate matter
• 14.3 Fibres
• 14.4 Measurement of airborne particulate and fibre concentrations
• 14.4.1 Filters
• 14.4.2 Filter holders and sampling heads
• 14.5 Measurement of flow rate
• 14.6 Pumps
• 14.7 Direct-reading aerosol monitors
• 14.8 Flow rate measurement using a rotameter or electronic flow calibrator by using the soap-bubble method
• 14.9 The measurement of inhalable airborne dust
• 14.9.1 Equipment required
• 14.9.2 Method
• 14.9.3 Calculations
• 14.9.4 Possible problems
• 14.10 The measurement of airborne respirable dust by using a cyclone sampler
• 14.10.1 Equipment required
• 14.10.2 Method
• 14.10.3 Calculations
• 14.10.4 Possible problems
• 14.11 The measurement of nanoparticles
• 14.12 The sampling and counting of airborne asbestos fibres
• 14.12.1 Equipment required for sampling
• 14.12.2 Method for sampling
• 14.12.3 Fibre counting and generating concentration data
• 14.12.4 Method of evaluation
• 14.12.5 Calculations
• 14.12.6 Possible problems
• 14.13 The choice of filter and filter holder to suit a specific dust, fume or mist
• 14.14 To trace the behaviour of a dust cloud by using a Tyndall beam
• 14.14.1 Equipment required
• 14.14.2 Method
• 14.15 References and further reading 

Chapter 15 Gases and Vapours

• 15.1 Introduction
• 15.2 Collection devices
• 15.2.1 Adsorption methods
• 15.2.2 Adsorbent tubes
• 15.2.3 Passive samplers
• 15.2.4 Colorimetric detector tubes
• 15.3 Containers
• 15.4 Direct-reading instruments
• 15.5 To measure personal exposure to solvent vapours using an adsorbent tube
• 15.5.1 Equipment required
• 15.5.2 Method
• 15.5.3 Calculations
• 15.5.4 Example
• 15.6 References and further reading 

Chapter 16 Bioaerosols

• 16.1 Introduction
• 16.2 Classification of microorganisms
• 16.3 Viruses
• 16.4 Bacteria
• 16.5 Moulds and yeasts
• 16.6 Allergens
• 16.7 Principles of containment
• 16.8 Monitoring bioaerosols
• 16.9 Measurement of endotoxins and allergens
• 16.10 Interpretation of sample results
• 16.11 References and further reading 

Chapter 17 Dermal and Inadvertent Ingestion Exposure

• 17.1 Introduction
• 17.2 Occupations where dermal exposure is important
• 17.3 Local and systemic effects
• 17.4 How do we know if dermal exposure is an issue?
• 17.5 What do we measure?
• 17.6 Methods for dermal exposure measurement
• 17.7 Sampling strategy
• 17.8 Liquids and solids
• 17.9 Biomonitoring and modelling of dermal exposure
• 17.10 From exposure to uptake
• 17.11 Controlling dermal exposure
• 17.12 Inadvertent ingestion exposure
• 17.13 References and further reading 

Chapter 18 Human Biomonitoring

• 18.1 Introduction
• 18.2 Selection of a suitable HBM method
• 18.3 Examples of HBM
• 18.4 Study protocols
• 18.5 Interpretation of HBM data
• 18.6 References and further reading

Part 3 Physical Agent

Chapter 19 An introduction to physical agents

• 19.1 Introduction
• 19.2 Physical agents in the workplace
• 19.3 Noise and vibration
• 19.4 Thermal environment
• 19.5 Ionising and non-ionising radiation
• 19.6 References and further reading 

Chapter 20 Noise

• 20.1 Introduction
• 20.2 Frequency
• 20.3 Duration
• 20.4 Occupational exposure limits
• 20.5 Pressure and magnitude of pressure variation
• 20.6 Equipment available
• 20.7 Sound level meters and personal noise dosimeters
• 20.8 Personal noise dosimeters
• 20.9 Calibration
• 20.10 Collecting noise measurements
• 20.10.1 Using an SLM
• 20.10.2 Results
• 20.11 To measure workplace noise using a PND
• 20.11.1 Using a PND
• 20.11.2 Results
• 20.11.3 Possible complications
• 20.12 To measure the spectrum of a continuous noise by octave band analysis
• 20.12.1 Collecting a spectrum of a continuous noise by octave band analysis
• 20.12.2 Results
• 20.13 To determine the degree of noise exposure and the actions to take
• 20.14 References and further reading 

Chapter 21 Vibration

• 21.1 Introduction
• 21.2 Vibration
• 21.3 Occupational exposure limits
• 21.4 Risk assessment
• 21.5 Measurements and measurement equipment
• 21.6 Hand–arm vibration measurement calculations
• 21.6.1 Reporting of vibration exposure data
• 21.7 Control of vibration
• 21.8 References and further reading 

Chapter 22 Heat and Cold

• 22.1 Introduction
• 22.2 Heat stress
• 22.3 Measurement equipment
• 22.3.1 Dry bulb thermometers
• 22.3.2 Wet bulb thermometers
• 22.3.3 Air speed
• 22.3.4 Globe thermometers
• 22.3.5 Integrating WBGT instruments
• 22.4 Personal physiological monitoring
• 22.5 Measurement of the thermal environment
• 22.6 Predicted Heat Strain Index,
• 22.7 Risk assessment strategy
• 22.8 Thermal comfort
• 22.9 Cold environments
• 22.10 To calculate the wind chill factor
• 22.10.1 Procedure
• 22.11 References and further reading 

Chapter 23 Lighting

• 23.1 Introduction
• 23.2 Lighting Standards
• 23.3 Equipment available
• 23.4 Calibration
• 23.5 To measure lighting
• 23.5.1 Aim
• 23.5.2 Equipment required
• 23.5.3 Method
• 23.5.4 Possible problems
• 23.5.5 Results and comparison with guidance
• 23.5.6 Reporting
• 23.6 Control
• 23.7 References and further reading 

Chapter 24 Ionising Radiation

• 24.1 Introduction
• 24.2 Ionising radiation
• 24.3 Background radiation
• 24.4 Basic concepts and quantities
• 24.5 Types of radiation
• 24.6 Energy
• 24.7 Activity
• 24.8 Radiation dose units
• 24.8.1 Absorbed dose and dose equivalent
• 24.8.2 To calculate dose equivalent
• 24.8.3 Dose rate
• 24.9 Dose limits
• 24.10 Derived limits
• 24.11 Procedures to minimise occupational dose
• 24.12 Personal dosimetry and medical surveillance
• 24.12.1 Monitoring of ionising radiation in work areas
• 24.12.2 Personal monitoring for external dose
• 24.12.3 Film badge dosimeter
• 24.12.4 Thermoluminescent dosimeter
• 24.12.5 Direct-reading monitors
• 24.12.6 Air monitoring
• 24.13 References and further reading 

Chapter 25 Non-Ionising Radiation

• 25.1 Introduction
• 25.2 Ultraviolet radiation
• 25.3 Visible and infrared radiation
• 25.4 Blue light
• 25.5 Microwaves, radiowaves and low frequency electric and magnetic fields
• 25.6 Lasers
• 25.7 References and further reading

Part 4 Control of hazards

Chapter 26 Assessing the effectiveness of exposure controls

• 26.1 Introduction
• 26.2 The effectiveness of control measures
• 26.2.1 Elimination and substitution
• 26.2.2 Ventilation and control measures at source
• 26.2.3 Personal protective equipment
• 26.3 Measuring exposure to assess the effectiveness of controls
• 26.4 References and further reading 

Chapter 27 Assessing local ventilation control systems

• 27.1 Introduction
• 27.2 Air pressure
• 27.2.1 Static pressure
• 27.2.2 Velocity pressure
• 27.2.3 Total pressure
• 27.3 Measurement equipment
• 27.3.1 Pressure-measuring instruments
• 27.3.2 Air velocity measuring instruments
• 27.3.3 Barometric pressure instruments
• 27.4 Ventilation measurement records
• 27.5 Measurement of air flow in ducts
• 27.5.1 Aim
• 27.5.2 Equipment required
• 27.5.3 Method
• 27.5.4 Calculation
• 27.5.5 Example
• 27.5.6 Possible problems
• 27.6 Measurement of pressure in ventilation systems
• 27.6.1 Aim
• 27.6.2 Equipment required
• 27.6.3 Method
• 27.6.4 Results
• 27.6.6 Possible problems
• 27.7 To measure the face velocity on a booth, hood, or fume cupboard
• 27.7.1 Aim
• 27.7.2 Equipment required
• 27.7.3 Method
• 27.7.4 Results
• 27.7.6 Possible problems
• 27.8 References and further reading

Chapter 28 Personal Protective Equipment

• 28.1 Introduction
• 28.2 Components of an effective PPE programme
• 28.2.1 Assessment of risks and identification of where control is required
• 28.2.2 Implement all feasible controls
• 28.2.3 Identify who needs residual protection
• 28.2.4 Inform wearers of the consequences of exposure
• 28.2.5 Select PPE adequate to control residual exposure
• 28.2.6 Involve wearers in the PPE selection process
• 28.2.7 Match PPE to each individual wearer
• 28.2.8 Carry out objective fit-tests of RPE
• 28.2.9 Ensure that PPE does not exacerbate or create risks
• 28.2.10 Ensure PPE are mutually compatible
• 28.2.11 Train wearers in the correct use of their PPE
• 28.2.12 Supervise wearers to ensure correct use of PPE
• 28.2.13 Maintain PPE in efficient and hygienic condition
• 28.2.14 Inspect PPE to ensure it is correctly maintained
• 28.2.15 Provide suitable storage facilities for PPE
• 28.2.16 Record maintenance and inspection data
• 28.2.17 Monitor programme to ensure its continuing effectiveness
• 28.3 References and further reading

Part 5 The future

Chapter 29 Monitoring for hazards at work in the future

• 29.1 What the future holds for monitoring hazards at work
• 29.2 References and further reading 

Appendix Survey checklists

Equipment Suppliers

Chemical Analytical Services

Index

Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work remains the seminal textbook on measuring and controlling the risk of workplace exposure to physical, chemical, and biological hazards. Designed for students studying occupational hygiene and exposure science, this comprehensive and accessible volume provides step-by-step guidance on identifying hazards and quantifying their risks in various workplace environments. Complete with checklists and practical examples, the authors present clear explanations of all types of hazards that can arise in the workplace, including dust, particles, fibrous aerosols, gases, vapours, and bioaerosols. 

The fifth edition features revised material throughout, and remains an essential resource for students and professionals in occupational hygiene, reflecting global standards and recent developments in monitoring equipment, modelling methods, exposure assessment, and legislation on workplace safety.  

• Several new or substantially revised chapters cover topics such as human biomonitoring, exposure modelling, hazardous substances, physical agents, evaluating ventilation, PPE, and other control measures 
• Updated sections discuss the equipment currently available, the importance of risk communication, assessing dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposures, and more 
• Examines common workplace comfort issues such as noise, vibration, heat and cold, and lighting 
• Offers practical advice on conducting and presenting risk assessments and reports 
• Discusses the future of the development and application of hazard measurement equipment and methods  

Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work, is required reading for students and professionals in occupational hygiene, environmental health and safety, occupational health and safety, and exposure science. 

John Cherrie is Emeritus Professor of Human Health, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK. He is also a Principal Scientist at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, one of the longest-established independent occupational and environmental health research institutes in the world.  

Sean Semple is Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, UK. His research in human exposure science focuses on the health effects of indoor air pollution, occupational epidemiology, air quality measurement, and workplace inhalation hazards.    

Marie Coggins is a Lecturer at the School of Physics and a member of the Centre for One Health at the Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.  She is Academic Director for the NUI, Galway professional accredited BSc Environmental Health and Safety programme. The Exposure Science research group that she leads focuses on human exposure to occupational and environmental pollutants, including indoor air quality in energy efficient buildings.