LCS Laboratory Inc. provides detailed chemical composition analysis of petroleum‑based solvents to support industrial hygiene assessments and exposure limit calculations. Our Group Guidance Value (GGV) testing follows the ACGIH Reciprocal Calculation Procedure (RCP), allowing hygienists to determine appropriate occupational exposure limits (OELs) for complex hydrocarbon mixtures before air sampling begins.
Regulatory Context
The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) applies the ACGIH 2017 methodology for establishing OELs for petroleum distillates based on their compositional groups. Accurate identification of hydrocarbon classes is essential, as GGVs form the basis of the RCP calculation. Reliable compositional data reduces uncertainty in exposure assessments and supports defensible regulatory documentation.
In our lab, Petroleum solvents are categorized into four primary groups according to carbon range and structural class. Each group carries a defined Group Guidance Value:
| Hydrocarbon Group | Description | GGV (mg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| C5–C8 alkanes & cycloalkanes | Light aliphatics | 1500 mg/m³ |
| C9–C15 alkanes & cycloalkanes | Medium aliphatics | 1200 mg/m³ |
| C7–C8 aromatics | Light aromatics | 100 mg/m³ |
| C9–C15 aromatics | Medium aromatics | 200 mg/m³ |
These group assignments streamline the RCP process while maintaining the accuracy required for exposure limit calculations.
Analytical Approach
Bulk solvent samples are analyzed using NIOSH‑aligned gas chromatography (GC) methods. These techniques allow for:
- Identification of individual hydrocarbon constituents
- Quantification of each compositional group
- Assignment of group percentages for RCP calculations
The resulting dataset provides the necessary inputs for determining mixture‑specific OELs under the ACGIH framework.
Why GGV Testing Matters for Industrial Hygienists
- Regulatory alignment: Supports compliance with Ontario MOL and ACGIH requirements for petroleum solvent exposure assessment.
- Defensible OEL calculations: Provides accurate group composition data for RCP‑based exposure limit derivation.
- Improved risk evaluation: Enables more precise interpretation of air monitoring results.
- Efficient workflow: Reduces uncertainty when planning sampling strategies and preparing exposure control documentation.
Typical Applications
GGV and RCP analysis is routinely used by:
- Industrial hygienists conducting exposure assessments
- Health and safety consultants preparing regulatory reports
- Manufacturers and distributors of petroleum solvents
- Facilities using hydrocarbon mixtures in production or maintenance processes
Accurate compositional data is essential for evaluating worker exposure potential and meeting regulatory expectations. If you’d like do discull your future project, please contact us at your convenience. ©
