The centerpiece of most industrial hygiene work is the site survey that will empirically measure employee exposures to selected chemical, physical, and/or biological agents and compare the results to recognized occupational exposure limits. When it comes to industrial hygiene, Jurgiel differentiates itself in the quality of the work performed before, during, and after the survey.
Industrial Hygiene Surveys
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- Pre-survey: Before any survey, Jurgiel works closely with its clients to gauge the exposure scenarios and to verify that any specific concerns will be addressed. Jurgiel professionals ask questions that are “outside the envelope” to ensure that additional exposures are not being overlooked. To increase efficiency and control project costs, Jurgiel will make every effort to combine services, where appropriate, in order to reduce the need for a return visit.
- Survey: The true value of IH monitoring is in understanding not only the results but also the meaning behind them. While some IH vendors focus only on collection of the samples and reporting of the “numbers,” Jurgiel spends considerable time familiarizing itself with the overall operation, including the various work processes and even the individual work practices. The goal is to see beyond simply just the measurement of the exposure to the individual activities that determine the exposure in the first place.
- Post-survey: Jurgiel provides written reports that are clear and easy-to-read, with meaningful observations and commentary, along with expert recommendations that address both regulatory compliance and non-regulatory risk. Even after the conclusion of a project, Jurgiel is available to answer questions and address any residual concerns to ensure that the client is comfortable in their comprehension of the project results and their implications.
Chemical, Physical, and Biological Agents
Throughout its long history working in the industrail hygiene space, Jurgiel has been involved in the quantitative evaluation (sampling) of numerous potential health hazards, including:
- Acids/bases
- Amines
- Asbestos
- Bacteria/Mycobacteria
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Coal dust
- Electromagnetic fields
- Fiberglass/mineral fibers
- Fluorides
- Formaldehydes/other aldehydes
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
- Isocyanates
- Metal dusts/fumes
- Metalworking fluids/ oil mist
- Nitrosamines
- Noise
- Organic solvents
- Paint constituents
- Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated/Specified
- Phthalic anhydrides
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Polyaromatic hydrocarbons
- Refractory ceramic fiber (RCF)
- Respirable crystalline silica
- Surface contaminants
- Temperature (heat/cold stress factors)
- Viruses
Qualitative Exposure Assessments
A Qualitative Exposure Assessment (QEA) is a process by which a Certified Industrial Hygienist can review a potentially-hazardous exposure, without conducting exposure monitoring, and can render a professional judgment regarding the adequacy of existing controls or the need for additional controls.
QEAs are useful in situations where:
- There is no published occupational exposure limit (OEL) for a specific chemical/physical/biological agent
- There is an OEL but there is no validated monitoring method
- There is a monitoring method and an OEL but there is some question as to the need for exposure monitoring – for example, when the frequency, duration, or extent of exposure is extremely limited
PPE Hazard Assessments
In its Personal Protective Equipment standard (29CFR1910.132), OSHA directs each employer to assess its workplace hazards and to indicate where PPE is required to mitigate the risk of employee injury or illness.
Jurgiel has performed these workplace hazard assessments for clients in almost every industry and can render a professional opinion as the nature and type of PPE that will be most effective. Because of our IH experience, we can also be more specific in our evaluation of certain types of PPE, like chemical protective clothing, gloves, and respirators.
Exposure Control Strategy Development
Jurgiel has the ability to review engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and noise abatement, to determine their adequacy, appropriate placement, etc. While we do not design or install such controls, we do have professional relationships with specialists in these and other areas of control engineering.
Ergonomics Assessments
Ergonomics assessments are a critical part of industrial hygiene work. Ergonomics is the science of how people interface with their occupational environment. Often, the interaction between worker, workplace, and task exposes employees to risk factors that can lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that negatively affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues.
MSD risk factors include:
- Excessive force
- Awkward body posture
- Repetitive motion
- Vibration
- Extreme temperatures
Through expert ergonomics assessments, Jurgiel is able to identify and evaluate these risk factors and to recommend controls that reduce the likelihood of MSDs
Industrial Hygiene Support for Hazardous Waste Operations
During projects involving the assessment and remediation of hazardous waste, protection of the environment is often at the forefront of management consideration. It is important to remember, however, that the same hazardous material contamination that threatens groundwater, soil, and air, also has the potential to harm the workers who are removing it.
Jurgiel & Associates has significant experience assisting property owners, project managers, and remediation contractors in achieving appropriate levels of personnel protection. Specific services include:
- Reviewing laboratory analytical results for environmental sampling
- Researching toxicological and epidemiological literature
- Completing qualitative exposure assessments
- Selecting desired PPE
- Designing regulated areas and decontamination corridors
- Developing emergency response procedures
IH Support for Hazardous Waste Operations
