General Methodology of Exposure Measurements

Depending on individual and historically developed legislation on occupational exposure measurements, there are a great variety of regulations among the European member states. In some states, a laboratory which performs such measurements has to prove its competence in a quality certification process, e. g., in accordance with ISO standard 17025 [6-96]. This requires scientific competence, maintenance of organizational standards, and the possession of appropriate laboratory equipment. 

Evidence of the necessary scientific competence of the personnel of such a laboratory (e. g., the head of the laboratory) is normally provided by an appropriate university degree in chemical engineering or chemistry. The responsible person must have profound knowledge of the occupational safety legislation, especially of the legislation on hazardous substances, and know-how and experience on risk assessments of workplaces and the interpretation of measurement results in regard to occupational exposure limits. 

The necessary laboratory equipment includes sampling devices, analytical instruments, and software for data evaluation and calculations. 

Determination of the exposure during relevant working activities in connection 

Performance of the measurements according to the measurement plan. Analysis and evaluation of the sampHng tubes. 

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