Lesson 1Sampling welding fumes and metal components: collection methods, analytical endpoints (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni), chain of custodyThis section covers sampling welding fumes and metals, including filter choice, sampling positions, analytical endpoints for Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni, chain of custody, and comparing against occupational exposure limits.
Characterizing welding processes and consumablesSelecting filters and sampling train setupPositioning samplers in the breathing zoneAnalytical methods for Fe, Mn, Cr, NiChain of custody and data integrityLesson 2Volatile organic compounds and solvent sampling: active sampling with sorbent tubes, passive diffusive samplers, grab samplesThis section covers strategies for sampling VOCs and solvents using active sorbent tubes, passive diffusive samplers, and grab samples, including method choice, breakthrough control, storage, and lab result interpretation.
Selecting target VOCs and sampling objectivesActive sampling with sorbent tubesPassive diffusive sampler deploymentGrab sampling for short-term peaksSample handling, storage, and transportLesson 3Noise assessment: sound level meters, dosimetry, measurement metrics (LAeq, Leq, Lpeak, dB(A), exchange rates)This section explains noise exposure assessment using sound level meters and dosimeters, including metric choice (LAeq, Leq, Lpeak, dB(A), exchange rate), task-based measurements, and comparison with regulations.
Selecting SLMs and noise dosimetersConfiguring weighting, exchange rate, and rangeTask-based and full-shift noise surveysCalculating LAeq, Leq, and Lpeak valuesComparing results to exposure criteriaLesson 4Instrument selection and calibration: manufacturer specs, calibration checks, maintenance logsThis section explains how to choose and calibrate instruments based on manufacturer specs, do field calibration checks, keep calibration and maintenance logs, and ensure traceability to standards and quality systems.
Reviewing manufacturer specificationsChoosing instruments for contaminantsPrimary and secondary calibration methodsField calibration and bump checksCalibration records and maintenance logsLesson 5Prioritization of workers and tasks: criteria for selecting personnel for personal sampling (tasks with highest exposure potential)This section details how to prioritise workers and tasks for personal sampling by checking exposure potential, variability, and health risk, forming similar exposure groups, and recording clear selection criteria for solid assessments.
Defining assessment goals and constraintsIdentifying high-exposure tasksForming similar exposure groups (SEGs)Selecting workers for personal samplingDocumenting selection criteria and rationaleLesson 6Air sampling for particulates and mists: personal vs area sampling, filter media, flow rates, sample durationThis section focuses on air sampling for particulates and mists, including personal vs area strategies, filter media choice, flow rate control, sample duration, and considerations for particle size and gravimetric analysis.
Choosing personal versus area samplingSelecting filter media and cassettesSetting and verifying flow ratesDetermining sample duration and timingGravimetric analysis and size fractionsLesson 7Biological and mold sampling: air impaction, spore trap (filtration) sampling, surface swabs, culturing vs microscopyThis section explains biological and mold sampling using air impaction, spore trap cassettes, surface swabs, and bulk samples, comparing culture-based and microscopic analysis, and outlining interpretation limits and reporting.
Selecting biological sampling objectivesAir impaction and spore trap samplingSurface swabs and bulk material samplesCulture-based versus microscopic analysisInterpreting results and reporting limitsLesson 8Surface and dermal sampling: wipe sampling methods, surface sampling for oils/solvents, interpretationThis section covers surface and dermal sampling methods, including wipe sampling for metals and organics, surface sampling for oils and solvents, result interpretation, and linking with skin protection and cleaning programs.
Selecting wipe materials and templatesWipe sampling for metals and organicsSurface sampling for oils and solventsInterpreting surface loading resultsLinking findings to dermal controlsLesson 9Planning an exposure assessment: objectives, task analysis, sampling strategy, statistical considerationsThis section describes planning an exposure assessment, including setting objectives, doing task analysis, designing sampling strategies, handling statistical power and uncertainty, and integrating results into ongoing exposure management.
Defining scope, objectives, and endpointsTask and process mapping for exposuresDesigning personal and area sampling plansStatistical power, variability, and precisionIntegrating findings into control programs
