Monitoring
for exposure to OSHA-regulated chemicals and certain physical hazards
(e.g. heat, noise) will be performed by the Industrial Hygienist when
there is reason to believe that the exposure routinely exceeds established
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) or other limits set forth in nationally
recognized standards. For example, monitoring would be performed when:
- An
employee reports that he or she is routinely exposed to an OSHA-regulated
substance.
- An
employee shows signs or symptoms of an exposure to a chemical or physical
hazard.
- The
Industrial Hygienist, other EHS staff member, or the employee's supervisor
suspects an exposure.
If the
concentration of a contaminant or level of a physical hazard is found
to be over the Permissible Exposure Limit, the area will be monitored
according to the standard for the substance(s) the employee may be exposed
to. Monitoring will continue until corrective actions have reduced the
hazard below the permitted limits, or the relevant standard indicates
that it may be ended.
The employee
will receive copies of all monitoring results within fifteen days of
their receipt in EHS. Monitoring for chemical exposures will generally
be performed using personal air samplers with appropriate absorbent
media, unless the relevant standard dictates another method. Physical
hazard monitoring will be performed using the appropriate instrumentation.
Contact
the Clemson Industrial Hygienist
for assistance.