Training: Industrial Hygiene Air Sampling. 14 Lectures from LCS Laboratory Inc.

At LCS Laboratory Inc., we are proud to offer a comprehensive 4-day training course designed to teach professionals how to collect, evaluate, and interpret air samples in occupational settings. Our training follows the best practices and standards from OSHA, NIOSH, and other recognized regulatory bodies. This hands-on, lecture-based program is ideal for industrial hygienists, safety officers, environmental specialists, consultants, and laboratory professionals.

The course is available online or in person. Please get in touch with us to request a free, no-obligation quote. We offer a flat rate for groups of 1 to 20 people. Please preview the first of 14 lectures to see what you can learn.

📘 Lecture 1 of 14: Introduction to Air Sampling

What You Will Learn

Lecture 1 introduces the essential principles of industrial hygiene (IH) air sampling. It covers the science, regulations, tools, and techniques that underpin successful air monitoring in workplaces. You will explore:

Airborne chemicals and their exposure limits
Sampling strategies for particulates, vapours, and gases
Air sampling equipment and media
Routes of chemical exposure
Selection of sampling targets
Regulatory standards (OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, MDHS, etc.)

This lecture lays the foundation for advanced sampling and analysis techniques presented in subsequent sessions.

🧠 Pre-Requisites

Before enrolling, we recommend that participants have a basic understanding of:

General air sampling practices
Basic chemistry
Occupational hygiene fundamentals

🏛 Training Structure

The training includes:

14 detailed lectures over 4 consecutive days
Real-world examples and calculations
Practical tools and equipment handling
Quality control and data interpretation
Issued certificate upon successful completion

🗂 Lecture Topics Overview

Introduction to Air Sampling
Chemicals in Air & Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
Sampling Principles: Dusts, Vapours, and Gases
Sampling Media and Equipment
Field Work Planning and Execution
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, Skin, Ingestion
Laboratory Communication & Result Interpretation
Quality Assurance & Quality Control in Sampling
Real Sampling Scenarios and Calculations

🧪 Understanding Routes of Exposure

Exposure to airborne hazards can occur in different ways:

Inhalation: Most common route in industrial environments (e.g., dust, vapours, fumes)
Skin Absorption: From chemicals like solvents, pesticides, or acids
Ingestion: Accidental, through contaminated hands, food, or surfaces

Each route requires specific controls and sampling techniques to ensure workplace safety.

🎯 How to Decide What to Sample For

Air sampling starts with hazard recognition. Our course walks you through:

Reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Understanding worker symptoms
Using previous assessments or audit reports
Following regulatory or inspector orders
Identifying specific chemical hazards

⚖️ What Are Exposure Limits?

We’ll teach you how to:

Find and understand OELs, PELs, TLVs, and other regulatory limits
Differentiate between mg/m³ and ppm
Apply country-specific exposure standards
Use limits to interpret sampling results

🧰 Tools of the Trade

✅ Air Sampling Pumps

Brands: SKC, Casella, Sensydyne
Price range: $600–$2000
Lifespan: 10–25 years
Intrinsically safe options for mining and underground work

✅ Flow Calibrators

Primary calibrators (wet/dry bubble meters, electronic types)
DIY options for budget setups
Calibration certificates from accredited labs are a must

✅ Sampling Media

Filters: PVC, MCE, PTFE, Quartz (based on the contaminant)
Adsorbent Tubes: Charcoal, silica gel, Tenax, etc.
Selection based on validated OSHA/NIOSH methods

🧪 Real Sampling Example (Dust)

Sample Time: 420 min
Flow Rate: 2 L/min
Dust Collected: 22 mg
Air Volume: 0.84 m³
Concentration: 26.2 mg/m³
OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ → Overexposure

Learn how to perform these calculations and evaluate results confidently.

🏁 What You Will Need to Start Your Air Sampling Practice

Portable air sampling pumps and calibrators
Sampling filters and adsorbent tubes
Cassette holders and accessories
Reliable analytical laboratory
Logistics partner for sample shipping

🎓 Certification

All participants who complete the full 4-day program will receive a Certificate of Completion, verifying training in Industrial Hygiene Air Sampling according to OSHA/NIOSH standards.