Personal Samplers
Instructional Goal
The participants will see the
various methods used to collect
personal samples and how that
may impact them on the job.
Personal Sampling Systems

Active samplers

Passive samplers
Sampling Techniques

integrated samples are collected


when the sensitivity of an analytical
method requires minimum sample
periods or volumes,
when comparison must be made to
an 8-hour, time-weighted average
threshold limit value (TLV)
 an OSHA permissible exposure limit
(PEL).

Active Samplers
Samplers mechanically collect
samples on or into a selected
medium.
The medium is then analyzed in
the laboratory to identify and
quantify the contaminant(s)
collected.
Active sampler system

Consists of the Following Components:



An electrically powered pump to move
the contaminated air.
A sampler consisting of an appropriate
sampling medium and a container
designed for that medium.
Flexible, nonporous, inert tubing to
link the sampler to the pump.
Passive Samplers

Advantages of passive samplers



is their simplicity
calibration and maintenance are reduced or
eliminated
Disadvantage

If direct read, errors may occur in observer
interpretations.
Diffusion Samplers

some can be read
directly


example, colorimetric
length-of-stain tubes
Others require
laboratory analysis
Permeation Samplers

can identify a single contaminant within a
mixture of airborne contaminants.

uses selective permeation of chemicals through
a membrane
some are the direct reading type

others require laboratory analysis.

Personal Sampler
Examples
Radiation Dosimeters
Thermoluminescent Dosimeter

The TLD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter)
badges provide a permanent record of an
individual's dose equivalent of beta,
gamma, and x-ray radiation.
Direct-Reading Dosimeters

are pencil-type devices
that allow personnel to
read and evaluate their
exposures between TLD
readings.

the Chirpy, which is a
device that emits
"chirps" based on the
strength of the radiation
field
The Digital Dosimeter

a battery-powered direct-reading
instrument with a digital read-out in
mR
Personal Sampling Plan
DIFFICULTIES
must decide what to sample
 workers move around on the work
area
 workers perform a variety of tasks
 must design efficient data tracking
system

PELs Exceeded
Personal Monitoring is required and
the following guidelines may be used.
 Sample
workers who are known to be in the
most highly exposed locations.
 If
the most hazardous locations have not been
determined, sample all workers for a week.
 Group
workers by exposure levels.
 Sample
week.
some members of each group every