Abstract
This article reports on use of advanced Near-Field—Far-Field software for assessing short- versus long-duration data obtained minute-by-minute at two distances from a small source of an evaporating solvent located in an isolated subsurface structure (a type of confined space) accessed through a manhole containing one or two opening(s). The software uses this data to predict worker exposure to airborne chemical substances. Initial flash-off of volatile components was readily visible in graphs prepared from some tests and especially so in initial output from the calibration utility contained in the modelling software. The calibration utility orients the mathematics of the software to measured data. The calibration utility indicated constant magnitude from longer-duration emissions consistent with constant composition. Source characterization of emissions from solvents containing multiple ingredients and constant initial mass deserves careful consideration because initial emissions may not represent overall behavior. This situation indicates the potential to bias predictions of worker and other types of exposure utilizing the same mathematics. This is especially the case during source characterization using measurements of short duration. This study advocates for further investigation to develop guidelines for source characterization during use of modelling software that minimize the potential for error in exposure assessment.
Highlights
1.1 Obligation of Employers to Assess Exposure to Hazardous Substances in the WorkplaceOne of the most important obligations imposed by regulators on employers is the requirement to determine exposure of workers to hazardous substances present or that may arise in the atmosphere of the workplace
This study provides insight into use of data generated minute-by-minute over a long duration at two fixed points having a Near-Field—Far-Field relationship to a non-replenishing, evaporating source of lacquer thinner in a structure known to satisfy the requirements of a Well-Mixed Room (McManus, 2016; McManus & Haddad, 2019a)
Air movement in the base of the chamber reflected in the orderly decrease in concentration of CO (McManus, 2016; McManus & Haddad, 2019a) and predictions of TEAS software shown in Table 2 and Figure 4 suggest that ventilation occurred in an orderly manner
Summary
1.1 Obligation of Employers to Assess Exposure to Hazardous Substances in the Workplace. One of the most important obligations imposed by regulators on employers is the requirement to determine exposure of workers to hazardous substances present or that may arise in the atmosphere of the workplace. In the case of worker exposure, determining the amount typically requires placement of a measurement device in the breathing zone (Lynch, 1994) and collection of sufficient data for statistical reliability (AIHA, 2015). This aspect of the process is cumbersome and often involves the commitment of considerable time and resources
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