Employee Exposure Assessments

In many industries, routine monitoring of workplace exposures is a regulatory requirement. Under the direct supervision of a Senior Industrial Hygienist, assistance is available to determine the work environment exposures and develop a monitoring strategy to collect exposure data for chemical substances and physical agents. Project support may vary from potential exposure to a single chemical to the diverse exposures that may be experienced in a heavy manufacturing environment. Our approach includes observing the operation, reviewing it with management and operation personnel, and carefully designing the exposure measurement protocol for accurate and meaningful data collection. The goal of the evaluation is to understand how and why the worker is exposed, not just to measure the exposure level.

Hellman & Associates Industrial Hygiene Professionals will access and evaluate the chemical substances and physical agents in your workplace, performing functions such as:

• Collecting samples of chemical, physical and biological agents for analysis
• Performing laboratory analyses
• Investigating ventilation, lighting or other conditions affecting health, comfort or efficiency
• Evaluating radiation, noise and vibration exposure
• Reviewing reports and conducting studies to determine if diseases or illnesses are work-related
• Recommending measures to ensure maximum employee protection
• Observing, analyzing and reporting about industrial health problems and making recommendations

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has been cited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as the number one environmental concern facing our country today. The Agency estimates that the average citizen spends, at a minimum, 70% of their time in an indoor environment. The concern develops when the indoor air becomes contaminated. Indoor Air Quality problems can stem from a myriad of environmental stressors, which can contaminate the indoor environment. They range from simple "too hot, too cold" syndromes to highly sophisticated bacterial and fungal contamination that can produce opportunistic pathogens that cause disease in humans.

Hellman & Associates has the experience and expertise to conduct indoor air quality evaluations including assessment, sampling and remediation specifications for mold and flood contamination in buildings. The potential problems associated with indoor air quality can be managed to minimize your liability and costs.

Hellman & Associates provides comprehensive environmental services to direct all phases of an indoor air quality project. Our Industrial Hygienists and technical support staff not only address your immediate compliance needs but also assess your future legal, health and economic liabilities.

Hellman & Associates performs the following services for our clients:

• Conducts visual inspections and site sampling to identify indoor air quality contaminants and stressors
• Perform sampling of indoor air quality, fresh air intake, make-up air and HVAC efficiency
• Monitors for fungal and bacterial activity, dust and particulate, animal dander, and other stressors
• Prepares specifications and assists with remediation contractor bid packages
• Trains employees on indoor air quality awareness, prevention and operations and maintenance procedures
• Provides expert testimony
• Conducts periodic evaluation of indoor air quality program effectiveness
• Uses nationally recognized and certified laboratories for analysis
• Develop mold remediation protocols and provide project support and conformance inspections

MOLD INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION DESIGN

Moisture intrusion and water damage in buildings is one of the most significant causes of mold growth attributing to poor indoor air quality and the deterioration of building materials. H&A’s Indoor Air Quality Assessment Protocol is tailored to address these potential problems and provide the building owner with various options to alleviate any problems. In addition to the bioaerosol and surface sampling for both viable and non-viable contaminants, we routinely conduct moisture testing of building materials to determine potential damage and whether or not the material is acting as a reservoir for the proliferation of fungal growth.

After a thorough assessment of the potential problem and evaluation of the need for remediation, H&A will design project specifications for the removal of microbial growth on building materials or the removal and replacement of impacted building materials. Based on the level of microbial contamination, the work plan will establish the level of environmental protection required to protect uncontaminated areas and the workers performing the remediation.

H&A will provide the building owner with contract administration to provide a comprehensive project history of the activities, which took place during the remediation, and the level of cleanliness achieved upon completion. H&A would act as the owner's agent in this regard and collect air samples, surface samples, review the contractor's work procedures for compliance with the specifications and applicable regulations, and document deficiencies observed. This project history is regarded by many building owner's as the best form of insurance from future liability claims arising from the microbial remediation work.

For more information about how Hellman & Associates can assist you with your mold issues, please visit our Mold Information Services page or call us at 303.384.9828.

Mold Information Resource Links:

EPA & MOLD

NEW YORK CITY GUIDELINES

OSHA & MOLD