Hazardous Chemical Substances

Hazardous Chemical Substances Air Sampling Chemical air sampling is a monitoring strategy used to quantify concentrations of a particulate, vapour, gas, mist or aerosol in a particular area. This sampling strategy is used to determine possible harmful exposures that your employees may be exposed to through inhalation.

Samples are taken over an 8 hour period or for as long as the exposure typically lasts for employees on a day to day basis. These measured concentrations are then compared to what we call an Occupational Exposure Limit – OELs – (governed by legislation) to determine if your employees are overexposed to the chemical substance in question. These results will verify whether a hazard (the said chemical) poses a risk for the development of occupational disease or ill health effects and assists us in recommending the best control to reduce the risk posed.

Area sampling can also be done to determine the effectiveness of controls that are already in place in your workplace. These samples are not compared to OELs but rather act as indicators for ambient conditions arising from the use of certain chemical substances.

The best strategy to take is to perform a baseline risk assessment for all chemicals used at your workplace before deciding whether quantitative monitoring strategies are necessary.

Legislation that applies: 
Hazardous Chemical Agent Regulation, 2021