Occupational Hygiene Measurements

Occupational hygiene measurements are occupational health assessments that enable the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of physical, chemical, and biological factors to which workers are exposed in the work environment. Through these studies, occupational risks that could affect worker health in the short or long term are identified, and the necessary data is obtained to make the work environment safe.

As Haliç Occupational Hygiene Laboratory, we provide enterprises with comprehensive occupational hygiene measurement reports as a result of the field inspections, measurements, and analyses conducted in line with our authorizations and scopes. By evaluating workers’ exposure levels with reliable data, we contribute to enterprises bringing their health and safety risks under control.

WHY ARE OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE MEASUREMENTS IMPORTANT?

Factors present in the working environment such as noise, vibration, dust, chemical substances, gases, thermal conditions, and similar agents can directly affect workers’ health. Evaluating these risks solely through observation is not sufficient. In order to determine risk levels, occupational hygiene measurements planned with appropriate methods must be carried out.

Thanks to occupational hygiene measurement and analysis studies:

• Physical and chemical risks in the work environment are identified
• Workers’ personal exposure levels are evaluated
• Factors that could cause occupational diseases are identified at an early stage
• Whether exposure limit values are exceeded is checked
• The effectiveness of implemented technical and organizational measures is evaluated
• Measurable data is provided for risk assessment studies
• Enterprises are assisted in fulfilling their legal obligations

In conclusion, regularly conducted occupational hygiene measurements are of great importance in terms of protecting worker health, establishing a safe working environment, and sustainably managing enterprise risks.

SCOPE OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE MEASUREMENTS

The scope of occupational hygiene measurements is determined according to the enterprise’s field of activity, production processes, raw materials used, working methods, and the risk factors to which workers may be exposed. For this reason, a site-representative, customized measurement plan must be prepared for each enterprise.

The main measurement and analysis studies carried out by the occupational hygiene laboratory are as follows:

• Indoor environment and air quality measurements
• Dust and particulate matter measurements
• Chemical factor measurements
• Volatile organic compound measurements
• Toxic gas and vapor measurements
• Personal exposure measurements
• Noise and vibration measurements
• Thermal comfort measurements
• Lighting measurements
• Electromagnetic field measurements
• Mapping and reporting of measurement results

INDOOR ENVIRONMENT AND AIR QUALITY MEASUREMENTS

Indoor environment and air quality measurements are carried out to evaluate gases and air components present in enclosed work areas. Production processes, chemicals used, ventilation conditions, and combustion activities can directly affect indoor air quality.

The main gas measurements that can be carried out within the scope of indoor air quality are as follows:

• Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) measurement
• Ozone (O₃) measurement
• Formaldehyde (CH₂O) measurement
• Carbon monoxide (CO) measurement
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) measurement
• Oxygen (O₂) measurement
• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) measurement
• Methane (CH₄ and %LEL) measurement
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) measurement
• Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂) measurement

Measurement results assist in evaluating ventilation adequacy in the work environment and the air breathed by employees. If hazardous concentrations are detected, measures such as control at source, local exhaust ventilation, general ventilation, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment can be planned.

DUST AND PARTICULATE MATTER MEASUREMENTS

Dust measurements are conducted to evaluate particulates generated during activities such as production, crushing, screening, conveying, cutting, sanding, welding, filling, and similar operations. The size, structure, and concentration of airborne dust play a significant role in determining employees’ health risks.

The main dust and particulate analyses carried out within the scope of occupational hygiene measurements are as follows:

• Total dust measurement
• Respirable dust measurement
• PM1, PM2.5, PM5, and PM10 particulate measurements
• Alkali dusts measurement
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) measurement
• Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) measurement
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) measurement
• Rubber vapor and dust measurement
• Aerosol and suspended particulate matter measurement
• Dust and aerosol measurement in metalworking fluids
• Carbon black measurement
• Asphalt fume measurement
• Asbestos analysis

Dust measurements can be planned as ambient area measurements or as personal exposure measurements conducted from workers’ breathing zones. The method to be used is determined according to the nature of the work performed by employees and the exposure source.

FREE SILICA AND CRYSTALLINE SILICA MEASUREMENTS

Dusts containing free silica and crystalline silica can pose a significant occupational exposure risk in sectors such as mining, stone processing, ceramics, glass, concrete, casting, construction materials, and similar industries. For this reason, not only the quantity of dust to which workers are exposed, but also its content must be analyzed.

The main parameters that can be evaluated within the scope of silica measurements are as follows:

• Free silica (SiO₂) measurement
• Crystalline silica measurement
• Quartz silica analysis in total dust
• Quartz silica analysis in respirable dust

The obtained results are used to evaluate workers’ exposure levels, improve dust control systems, and plan the necessary protective measures.

CHEMICAL FACTOR MEASUREMENTS

Chemical factor measurements are carried out to determine chemicals that may be present in the work environment in the form of gas, vapor, fume, aerosol, or particulate. Raw materials used, auxiliary chemicals, production temperature, and process conditions can directly affect the type of exposure.

The main chemical parameters within the scope of occupational hygiene laboratory measurement and analysis are as follows:

• Chromium +6 (Cr+6) measurement
• Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) measurement
• Heavy metal measurements
• Hydrazine measurement
• Ammonia measurement
• Formaldehyde measurement
• Mineral oil mist measurement
• Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) measurement
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) measurement
• Bromine (Br₂) and chlorine (Cl₂) measurement
• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) measurement
• Hydrogen fluoride (HF) measurement
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) measurement
• Hydrobromic acid (HBr) measurement
• Nitric acid (HNO₃) measurement
• Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) measurement
• Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) measurement
• Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) measurement
• Ozone (O₃) measurement
• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) measurement
• Acetic anhydride measurement
• Phosphine measurement
• Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) measurement

Data obtained from chemical factor measurements is compared with relevant exposure limit values to evaluate workers’ risk levels.

HEAVY METAL AND METAL OXIDE MEASUREMENTS

During activities such as welding, casting, metal processing, coating, grinding, pigment manufacturing, and similar operations, particulates containing heavy metals and metal oxides can spread into the work environment. Inhalation of these substances by employees can create long-term occupational exposure risks.

The main parameters that can be evaluated within the scope of heavy metal measurements are as follows:

• Lead (Pb) measurement
• Mercury (Hg) measurement
• Cadmium (Cd) measurement
• Chromium (Cr) measurement
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) measurement
• Arsenic (As) measurement
• Nickel (Ni) measurement
• Copper (Cu) measurement
• Zinc (Zn) measurement
• Manganese (Mn) measurement
• Iron (Fe) measurement

In addition to heavy metal analyses, the main metal oxide parameters that can be evaluated are as follows:

• Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) measurement
• Magnesium oxide (MgO) measurement
• Calcium oxide (CaO) measurement
• Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) measurement
• Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) measurement

Measurement and analysis results are evaluated taking into account the materials used, process characteristics, working durations, and workers’ exposure patterns.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND AND TOXIC GAS MEASUREMENTS

Volatile organic compounds are chemical substances that easily evaporate at room temperature and can reach workers via inhalation. VOC exposure may occur in work areas where chemical products such as paint, solvents, adhesives, cleaning products, fuels, resins, and similar items are used.

Within the scope of volatile organic compound measurement, the type and concentration of compounds in the work environment are determined. In addition, concentrations of inorganic toxic gases or vapors that may arise depending on the production process are also evaluated using appropriate measurement methods.

Thanks to VOC and toxic gas measurements:

• Chemical exposure sources are identified
• Concentrations to which employees are exposed via inhalation are evaluated
• The adequacy of ventilation systems is verified
• The effectiveness of control measures at source is examined
• Hazardous work areas and task groups are determined

PHYSICAL FACTOR MEASUREMENTS

Physical factor measurements encompass the evaluation of risks to which employees are exposed in the work environment, such as noise, vibration, lighting, temperature, humidity, air velocity, and electromagnetic fields.

The main physical factor measurements carried out within the scope of occupational hygiene measurements are as follows:

• Ambient noise measurement
• Personal noise exposure measurement
• In-ear noise measurement
• Machinery noise measurement
• Hand-arm vibration exposure measurement
• Whole-body vibration exposure measurement
• Lighting measurement
• Electromagnetic field measurement
• Ambient temperature measurement
• Relative humidity measurement
• Air velocity measurement

Results obtained from physical factor measurements enable the evaluation of the suitability of working conditions in terms of employee health and safety.

THERMAL COMFORT MEASUREMENTS

Thermal comfort measurements enable the joint evaluation of parameters such as temperature, humidity, air velocity, and radiant temperature in the work environment. Excessively hot or cold working conditions can adversely affect workers’ health, attention, performance, and operational productivity.

The main assessments that can be carried out within the scope of thermal comfort studies are as follows:

• Heat stress evaluation and WBGT measurement
• Thermal sensation assessment and PMV calculation
• Percentage of people dissatisfied and PPD calculation
• Cold stress evaluation and IREQ index
• Ambient temperature measurement
• Air velocity measurement
• Relative humidity measurement

Measurement results are evaluated together with work patterns, physical activity levels, clothing used, and ambient conditions to determine thermal risks.

OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE MEASUREMENT APPROACH

The occupational hygiene measurement process begins with the examination of the enterprise’s activities and work areas. Measurement locations and employee groups are determined by evaluating the substances used, production methods, employee duties, shift schedules, exposure durations, and existing control measures.

Generally, the following steps are applied during the measurement process:

• Preliminary information about the enterprise and production processes is gathered
• Field inspection is carried out in work areas
• Risk sources and similar exposure groups are determined
• Ambient area or personal exposure measurement method is selected
• Measurement locations and sampling durations are planned
• Sampling and field measurement activities are performed
• Samples are evaluated with appropriate analytical methods
• Results are compared with relevant limit values
• A customized measurement and evaluation report is prepared for the enterprise

MAPPING AND REPORTING OF MEASUREMENTS

Following the occupational hygiene measurements performed, the obtained data is analyzed to evaluate the enterprise’s risk profile. Measurement results are reported by associating them with work areas, task groups, and exposure sources.

In the reporting process:

• Measurement and analysis results are verified
• Exposure levels are evaluated
• Results are compared with relevant limit values
• Hazardous areas and employee groups are identified
• Measurement locations are illustrated on the site plan where necessary
• A customized evaluation report is prepared for the enterprise

Thanks to the mapping of measurements, risk distribution within the enterprise becomes clearer. Thus, ventilation improvements, process adjustments, work duration controls, and personal protective equipment applications can be planned more accurately.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE MEASUREMENTS

Occupational hygiene measurements are one of the most critical occupational health and safety practices used to determine employee exposure levels to physical and chemical agents. Measurements must be planned by a competent occupational hygiene laboratory in a manner that represents the field, and results must be evaluated accurately.

As Haliç Occupational Hygiene Laboratory, we create customized measurement plans specific to your enterprise’s field of activity, production processes, and risks to which employees may be exposed. We conduct field measurements, sampling, laboratory analyses, evaluation of results, and reporting processes with an integrated approach.