82 AIHA Exposure assessment strategy for assessing industrial hygiene exposures

Abstract The American Industrial Hygiene Association has developed an exposure assessment strategy and has emphasized the use of statistical methods for the evaluation of industrial hygiene sampling data. Professional industrial hygienists typically underestimate exposures without analytical aids. The use of heuristics and mathematical methods reduce professional bias. To support statistical analysis, they have free online analytical tools, and free online training. The strategy is an iterative approach, starting with simpler qualitative measures and advancing to more complex quantitative measures as necessary. Qualitative tools can be easily used by observation, and then quantitative tools can be implemented when industrial hygiene sampling can be conducted. These tools include: •IHEST - Exposure Scenario Tool •SDM2.0 - Qualitative Assessment Tool (Excel) •IHDA/ Expostats - Data Analysis Tools (Downloadable Program/ WebInterface) •IHSTAT - Data Analysis Tool (Excel Spreadsheet) After reviewing the strategy, the tools will be introduced and described. Upon completion, the attendees will be able to select, find, and use the relevant tool for exposure and risk determination. By using a structured approach and statistical analytical tools, you will be able to make more accurate exposure assessments. This will help you identify elevated employee exposures, allow proper control targeting, and reduce the overall burden of occupational illness and disease.