Quantitative Exposure Assessment Strategies and Data in the Aluminum Company of America

Abstract

The occupational exposure assessment is a critical element in the industrial hygiene process directed at worker health protection. In the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa), exposure assessments are directed at fulfilling several health protection needs through two objectives: (1) the identification of health hazards through the differentiation of acceptable and unacceptable exposures; and (2) the development and maintenance of a database, thereby providing the basis for the education and training of workers on health risks and control of health hazards, the demonstration of compliance with occupational exposure limits, and the resolution of future questions arising from various concerned parties, including workers, labor unions, medical staff, legal staff, and governmental authorities. The Alcoa exposure assessment strategy emphasizes the quantitative assessment of significant exposures to air contaminants and noise. The Alcoa strategy specifies minimum sample sizes for baseline and periodic assessments, as well as criteria for data interpretation. All exposure data elements have been standardized; they include reference to the homogeneous exposure group (HEG), sampling strategy, and circumstances of exposure (e.g., date, shift length, use of personal protective equipment, etc.). The HEG provides an informational link between the exposure values and individual workers. The HEGs are described by the process, job, task, and environmental agent. Furthermore, for each HEG, information is maintained describing the calendar time period of the assessment, as well as the frequency of the exposure during the time interval. These data, once captured and archived, become the basis for worker exposure histories. Damiano, J.: Quantitative Exposure Assessment Strategies and Data in the Aluminum Company of America. Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 10(4):289–298; 1995.