Assessment of occupational exposure using one-sided tolerance limits

Abstract

A sampling and decision scheme based on one-sided tolerance limits is developed for making reliable assessments of the workplace exposure condition. The scheme uses a sample of exposure measurements to determine, with a selected degree of confidence, whether or not overexposures occur at less than, or greater than, a tolerable level. Performance characteristics of this scheme are examined to aid the user in selecting an appropriate confidence level and a maximum tolerable occurrence of overexposures which is consistent with a safe or acceptable workplace environment.