ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on exposure limits, continuous dosage sensors, and the material safety data sheet (MSDS), which contains standardized information about the properties and hazards of toxic substances. Employers must keep copies of MSDSs for each hazardous chemical in the workplace readily accessible to their employees. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees. A major area that OSHA regulations address is the Hazard Communication Standard. Color detector tubes (CDT) determine contaminant concentrations in work areas without pumps, charts, or training. The testor simply opens the detector tube, inserts it into the tube holder, and pulls a predetermined amount of sample air through the CDT. The color progression on the packed adsorption bed indicates the concentration of a particular toxic gas. Membrane filters with air sampling pumps monitor nuisance dust, lead silica, zinc, mineral oil, mist, and more.
