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.

Validation of exposure estimation for benzene in the Australian petroleum industry

“…This method of validation was infeasible in the present study because benzene exposures were too low to result in clinically detectable signs. Validations of qualitative chemical exposure estimates have also been reported (Dunham et al, 2001).…”

Evaluation of the Predictive Abilities of a Qualitative Exposure Assessment Model

“…Dunham et al (12) conducted a partial validation study of the Qualitative Exposure Assessment (QLEA) model, the Modified Vapor Hazard Rating System (MVHRS), and the Workplace Exposure Assessment (WORKBOOK) model to evaluate agreement with measured exposures and consistency among the models. The authors found that the inter-model agreement was inconsistent when they compared the 95% confidence intervals for the ratios of the models' rating for three exposure scenarios with the maximum potential rating for those scenarios.…”

A Structured Strategy for Assessing Chemical Risks, Suitable for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

“…The cost and practical difficulties associated with atmospheric monitoring represent an often insurmountable obstacle for companies. This is why the American Industrial Hygiene Association proposed a strategy (Hawkins et al, 1991;Mulhausen and Damiano, 1998) based on an approach in successive stages that can reduce costs (Stewart and Stenzel, 2000;Dunham et al, 2001). Nevertheless, the expertise of suitably trained and experienced industrial hygienists proves that it is necessary to use and assess the results provided by the ranking methods used in the first stages of this strategy (Popendorf, 1984;Taith, 1993;Stewart and Stenzel, 2000).…”