A Practical Approach to Exposure Assessment Programs in the Private Sector: A Partial Validation Study of a Qualitative Chemical Exposure Assessment Model

Abstract

Utilizing a computer-based exposure assessment program, a United States-based chemical company was able to predict which chemicals and tasks presented the greatest probability of exposure in the workplace. The data generated by the model also enabled the company to prioritize these tasks for quantitative exposure monitoring.The assessment program addressed potential chemical exposure to workers in a cost-effective way. This assessment program reduced a facility's cost of complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard by about 90 percent. Overall, the program reduced the company's cost by about $700,000 when compared to traditional methods used for achieving compliance with these regulations. In addition, by utilizing a computer-based approach, a facility did streamline its chemical exposure assessment process.A comparative evaluation study was conducted in conjunction with a graduate research project. The purpose of the study was to compare the company's qualitative exposure assessment model with several other exposure assessment models.The project compared hazard rankings calculated from three exposure assessment models with actual exposure data for three work scenarios. Overall, the models appeared to be predictive of measured exposures. Therefore, they can be useful tools to help make decisions on which exposures have the highest potential to cause occupational illness to employees and therefore require additional monitoring and follow-up. BACKGROUNDAs our workplaces grow more complex, new challenges for industrial hygiene abound. Evaluating chemical hazards to determine the greatest potential to cause harm is dif cult due to the number of chemicals handled in the work environment. Evaluation of these complex situations requires a sound, logical occupational health assessment strategy to focus resources on those work situations with the greatest potential for adverse health effects. (1)