LCS Laboratory Inc., offers industrial hygiene air testing for isocyanates. We specialize in the analysis of hazardouscompounds such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), toluene diisocyanates (TDI), methylene bisphenyl diisocyanates (MDI), and polymeric isocyanates. These substances, widely used in industries including automotive, construction, and manufacturing, pose significant health risks when workers are exposed to them without adequate monitoring.
Using advanced HPLC-FLD techniques, LCS Laboratory has validated the OSHA 5002 method and achieved exceptional sensitivity of 0.05 µg (50 ng) per sample, ensuring the most accurate results for your workplace compliance and safety needs.
Why Is Workplace Monitoring Essential?
Isocyanates are commonly encountered during the application of paints, coatings, adhesives, and insulation foams. Exposure to their vapours and aerosols can cause severe respiratory irritation, asthma, and other chronic health conditions. Monitoring workplace air is critical to protecting workers and ensuring regulatory compliance. For example, Ontario’s occupational exposure limit for TDI is set at 0.005 ppm (8-hour TWA), reflecting the province’s commitment to stringent worker safety standards.
Tailored Sampling Procedures for Accurate Results
Our sampling protocols are meticulously aligned with Canadian regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Follow these steps to collect air samples using the OSHA 5002 procedure:
- Obtain Sampling Media: LCS Laboratory supplies 37-mm three-piece cassettes with coated glass fibre filters containing 1 mg of 1-(2-pyridyl)piperazine (1-2PP).
- Prepare the Cassette: Remove the inlet section and collect the sample “open face” to capture paint mist carrying isocyanate monomers and polymers.
- Use a Calibrated Pump: Attach the cassette to a personal air sampling pump calibrated to 1.0 L/min. Pre-calibrated pumps are available for rent from LCS Laboratory.
- Sampling Duration: Collect samples for 15-240 minutes, ensuring a total air volume of 15-240 litres.
- Sample Storage and Submission: Submit samples promptly to our laboratory. If storage is required, refrigerate them at 2°C – 8°C.
Advanced Analysis for Precise Detection
At LCS Laboratory, we extract the filters using a specialised acetonitrile/dimethyl sulfoxide solvent mix and analyse them via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FLD). Our reporting limit for isocyanates is an industry-leading 0.05 µg/sample. While we offer comprehensive scans for all four isocyanates, we recommend targeted analysis to reduce the risk of false positives from non-isocyanate impurities.
The LCS Laboratory Advantage
- National Coverage: We proudly serve clients across Canada, ensuring sampling methods comply with Canadian regulations.
- Favourable Rates: Our competitive pricing is unaffected by currency fluctuations, offering cost predictability.
- Proven Expertise: With decades of experience, LCS Laboratory is a trusted partner for industrial hygiene testing.
- Comprehensive Support: We can provide air sampling equipment, media, training, and technical guidance to simplify sample collection and improve accuracy.
Take the Next Step Towards Workplace Safety
Partner with LCS Laboratory to ensure the safety and compliance of your workplace.
- For questions, technical support, or shipping instructions, reach out to us here.
- Access our laboratory price list and request forms to streamline your testing process.
