Why do I have to use the ChemSafety monitoring badge to measure the personal chemical exposure?
For some chemicals, such as formaldehyde, and other carcinogens, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires to monitor personal chemical exposure levels to ensure a safe working environment.
For many other chemicals in health care facilities and general industry, there are permissible exposure limits that are required for a safe workplace.
The ChemSafety monitoring badge is the most cost effective ways to show compliance and to maintain a safe workplace and healthy indoor air environment.
Here’s the list of Occupational Exposure Limits by OSHA.
Is the passive badge sampling method approved by OSHA?
For exposure monitoring in the workplace, OSHA requires that the method be accurate to +/-25%, with 95% confidence limits.
The ChemSafety monitoring device uses analysis methods that have been validated by OSHA, NIOSH and EPA and meets and exceeds the OSHA requirements.
How do you use the Chemsafety monitoring badge?
The procedure for use of these products is simple, as outlined below.
Remove the monitor from the package by cutting the area above the zipper seal.
- Clip the device near the breathing zone to measure personal exposure, or place in the room to measure concentration in the area.
Record the user information and exposure time period on the package label.
- Replace the monitoring device in the packaging provided, and secure the outer pouch by closing the zipper seal.
Return the used monitoring badge. The envelope provided may be used.
Results are generally available within 72 hours.
What is a "passive badge"? How does it work?
The passive badge is a monitoring device for testing exposure to chemicals. It is called “passive” because it has no moving parts. In the ChemSafety device the air diffuses through a porous membrane and is collected inside by a specially prepared medium.
The passive method replaces the cumbersome and expensive use of a pump to collect the sample from the air.
How do I return/ship the ChemSafety monitoring badge to the lab?
A mailing envelope is provided for USPS. Please add required postage. It can be shipped by any other means. Refrigeration is not needed, as it is with some other devices.
How long does it take to receive the test results?
Analysis results are generally available within 72 hours.
How do I get my test results back?
Results can be sent by e-mail. Generally, the written report is also sent by USPS, or other means as requested.
How accurate is the test result?
The accuracy can be shown to meet the requirements for workplace testing. Quality assurance tests are done for each passive monitor returned to the laboratory for analysis.
How long do I have to expose the ChemSafety monitoring badge?
Occupational exposure standards for almost all chemicals require personal exposure for a full work shift. This is usually 8-hours.
For some chemicals, formaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde are example, there are exposure limits based on the 15-minute period when the exposure is expected to be the highest.
For measurement of indoor air quality, a 24 hour time period is ideal.
Do you have expedited analysis service? How much does it cost?
Results can be reported in less time than 72 hours when a request is made. There is no additional cost.
What are the most common chemicals measured in hospitals?
In hospitals, common chemicals include
formaldehyde
ethylene oxide
nitrous oxide
halogenated anesthetics (Isoflurane, Sevoflurane, Halothane)
Hydrogen peroxide
peracetic acid
xylene
Common chemicals can be monitored accurately for OSHA compliance in both hospitals and general industry by using ChemSafety monitoring badges.