Sampling and Evaluating
Airborne Asbestos Dust (NIOSH 582)
May 12-16, 2009
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The course will address state-of-the-art methods of determining the proper way to sample and analyze for airborne asbestos fibers. The focus of this course is the NIOSH Analytical Method #7400 and the OSHA Reference Method (ORM). Through classroom lectures and substantial hands-on labs, the proper use of graticule calibration and operation will be addressed.
Content
Accurate determination of the quantity of asbestos in the air is critical to the health of exposed workers. This 4 1/2 day course will address state-of-the-art methods for making that determination as well as the proper way to sample and analyze for airborne asbestos fibers. Through lectures and laboratory exercises, you will be shown sampling equipment operation and calibration, sampling procedures, and data collection and analysis.
The focus of this course is the NIOSH analytical Method #7400 and the OSHA Reference Method (ORM). All the intricacies of these methods will be addressed along with substantial practice in sample evaluation. Observations by microscope are the heart of the method. Through classroom lectures and substantial hands-on labs, the proper use of the microscope, including set-up, graticule calibration and operation will be stressed.
You will be shown the method of filter-mounting on a microscope slide and practice the mounting procedure. You will be shown how to count asbestos fibers under the microscope, and during extensive laboratory work, you will have an opportunity to practice counting. Through a round-robin procedure, you will be able to compare your evaluations of samples with the evaluations of your classmates.
Finally, the correct method to calculate and analyze your data in order to accurately characterize exposure levels will be addressed. A scientific calculator with statistical functions will be provided for each attendee.
Agenda Topics
The class will begin on Monday at 8:00 am and adjourn on Friday by 1:00 pm. Tuesday – Friday will begin with a review of the previous day. A final exam will be given on Friday.
- Overview of the Method
- Sampling & Airflow-Calibration Equipment
- Airflow Calibration Laboratory
- Sampling Procedures and Calculations
- Introduction to Statistical Calculations
- Counting and Additional Statistical Operations
- The Microscope, Accessories, and Adjustments
- Microscope Adjustment Demonstration
- Microscope Adjustment Laboratory
- Calibration & Image-Quality Investigation
- Microscope Calibration Laboratory
- Slide-counting Procedure
- Filter-Mounting Procedures
- Filter Mounting & Sample Analysis Laboratory
- Quality Control
- Comprehensive Laboratory
- Final Exam
Credit
- 4.5 ABIH (category 4)
- 2.9 BCSP
Tuition
and Registration
Please
review our Registration
Policies.
Tuition
for this course
is $1000 which
includes course
materials, use
of microscopes
and other equipment,
calculator, and refreshment
breaks.
Class
size is limited so please register early.
To
register online, go to the Course
Registration Form. You may also submit your registration
via email; please
be sure to include the course title and date.
For
further information on this course, contact the NC ERC
office at osherc@unc.edu,
or call us at 919-962-2101, toll free at 888-235-3320.
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