Real-Time Root Causes Assessment

INSIGHT INTO REAL-TIME ROOT CAUSES ASSESSMENT SERVICES


GilAir3 industrial hygiene sampling pump with SKC aluminum cyclone respirable crystalline silica samplerFull-shift exposure sampling (typically using pumps and filter media, see picture at left) is the choice method in establishing compliance with OSHA regulations. Such samples produce a single 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA, see example results below) that is directly comparable to OSHA PELs and Action Levels, which are often full-shift limits.

Example respirable crystalline silica sample results for use in correcting aerosol monitor exposure results

TWA sampling is of much less use in engineering applications, where companies wish to implement controls that will be effective in reducing exposures. Process changes, elimination/substitution, ventilation, and worker practice modifications are all potentially costly endeavors, and it is highly recommended that companies proceed with care.

Advantages of Real-time Monitoring

Fugitive vs. Source Concentrations - A figure depicting conditions of concern encountered during respirable dust (silica) mapping and root causes assessmentsAn excellent example of the value in real-time monitoring is the differentiating source concentrations from fugitive concentrations.  TWA sampling is weak in determining how much the background air impacts employee concentrations.

Source Concentrations – Often short duration, elevated concentration, related to employee activities

Fugitive Concentrations – Often extended duration, lower concentrations, independent of employee activities

The strategy of controlling these concentrations can differ significantly.  Real-time monitoring excels at determining both background concentrations and source exposures from employee activities.  Concentrations can often be composed of both source concentrations (typically high concentrations for a short duration, related to the activities of the employee).

Real-Time Meters
Real-time monitoring also offers a much more detailed view of how worker exposures change during the shift, identifying peaks and valleys that is invaluable in gaining knowledge on the activities which drive exposure.

Instead of one number, real-time monitoring methods can create thousands of measurements, all potentially linked to worker/facility activities through observations, activity logs, production data, and even video/audio recordings.

The collected data can be statistically evaluated in a number of ways to determine correlations that can be targeted for controls. Below are several examples of the root causes that are commonly observed in industrial environments.

Root Causes Assessment Figure for Respirable Dust Silica Quartz
Root Cause #1 – The Rising Background
A fairly common root cause of indoor air concentrations is the rising background. In this example (shown above), there are multiple factors (improper room air changeovers, insufficient supply, poor source capture) that is leading to a continually building concentration in the background air.
Root Causes Assessment Figure for Respirable Dust Silica Quartz
Root Cause #2 – The Masking Peak
Another root cause is the result of a single large release the both obscures (masks) the actual concentrations, and greatly contributes to the personal exposure. Often these types of measured concentrations are the direct result of malfunctioning equipment, missing covers, or poorly-functioning ventilation. These can have a pronounced effect on full-shift averages, and often can be the source of great frustration, as results from shift-to-shift vary wildly depending on the prevalence of these unwanted indoor air changes.
Root Causes Assessment Figure for Respirable Dust Silica Quartz
Root Cause #3 – The Elevated Background
The elevated background is another root cause, that is particularly difficult to contend with. Because workers will be exposed to elevated concentrations regardless of work activities, it is possible to cause entire departments to approach or exceed exposure limits. This type of root cause also masks information that would help identify other root causes. As such, it is recommended that these issues be remedied prior to detailed investigations. Typically this type of root cause is due to woefully insufficient ventilation (often because a system is inoperable or has been removed) or due to an complete lack of fresh air supply.
Root Causes Assessment Figure for Respirable Dust Silica Quartz
Root Cause #4 – The Correlated Peaks
This root cause could either be source, fugitive, or both in nature. In this type of exposure, numerous repeated peaks or changes in air concentrations are noted. Often these can be directly correlated to either the monitored employee or a neighboring task utilizing either field observations or production data. This type of cause also identifies an area of inadequate control, as the elevated and repeated concentrations will negatively impact background air.
Root Causes Assessment Figure for Respirable Dust Silica Quartz
Root Cause #5 – Repeated Source Exposures
The repeated source is a common type of root cause, and often a difficult one to correct. This type of exposure, with short duration peaks and a quick return to background concentrations shows evidence of some control, but with contaminants likely passing through the breathing zone during capture. This type of root cause is often found in well-controlled, high energy processes such as welding, grinding, arc-air gouging, and spraying.

Publications

American Foundry Society Award Root Causes of Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica in FoundriesAn Advanced Method to Determine Root Causes of Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica in Foundries, E. Pylkas, B. Scholz, American Foundry Society 118th Metalcasting Congress

Modern Casting Magazine with Respirable Dust Silica Root Causes ArticleRooting Out Respirable Crystalline Silica. An Advanced Method Helps Metalcasters Determine the Causes of Exposure, E. Pylkas, B. Scholz, Modern Casting December 2014

Modern Casting Magazine with Respirable Dust Silica Root Causes ArticleReal-Time Monitoring for Silica Exposure Analysis, E. Pylkas, B. Scholz, Modern Casting January 2018

Insight IH Consulting has extensive knowledge in performing real-time monitoring.  Eric Pylkas is a published (and award-winning, as our work received a Best Paper award from the American Foundry Society) author on the topic.

Call 262-347-6599 for assistance now.