FAQ: Hi! We would like to do 10 air samples from our workplace and have you test them. Please quote me on what that would cost and how we would proceed with ordering the testing kits. No particular test at this point. If the samples are easy to collect, I was hoping to collect them ourselves and get a sense of where we sit. That would be a low-cost way to get some information. Depending on the results, we may then pursue a more thorough test and report, in which case we would ask you to send in your professional testers to prepare a report.
Sincerely JS
Answer: Hello JS, the samples are relatively easy to collect, in fact we put together a few manuals on how to do it. From our experience, when preforming it for the first time, the errors in sampling are unavoidable, and you are bound to lose a few samples.
Another challenge is that you need to determine what chemicals you want to measure. Unfortunately there is no “universal test”, that will cover all potential outcomes. Based on your business description that I found on your website, your workers may (or may not) have potential exposure to Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Acrolein, Metal Working fluids, Oil, Inhalable dust, Respirable dust, Metal dust (including a number of individual metals like Iron and Manganese), among others.
In general, each test costs about $100 (which does not include cost of your time), so it is crucial to select your biggest concern and start with that. If you are able to narrow down the list of chemicals, I will design proper sampling procedure, tailored to your needs.
Once you collect the sample, you will return them to us and we will analyze them for the materials that you are testing for. Once the test is complete we return a lab report to you. This is where the fun part begins. You need to compare the lab results with MOL OEL’s and determine if you are in compliance or not.
Another option is to hire our Industrial Hygienist. He/She will do all the planning, sampling and reporting for you. Typical additional costs for professional services, is $1000-$2000 depending on the size of the project. There will be no surprises, as the Industrial Hygienist will give you a precise quote before they start.
Thank you again for the opportunity to work with your company. If you want to proceed, please email us at your convenience.
Sincerely, Dr. Stepan Reut. LCS Laboratory Inc.
