Abstract
The “Alcoa Sampling Guideline” is an example of how one corporation manages the industrial hygiene sampling function. Its goals are to assure a healthful work environment and encourage personal monitoring. The concepts of baseline evaluations and periodic surveillance are introduced. Baselines are established whenever exposures are anticipated to approach or exceed 30% of the permissible limit. The statistical parameters of the baseline and other factors are used to determine periodic sampling needs. The periodic surveillance frequency varies from 6 months to 3 yr with three to nine samples required in each time interval. The guideline is intended to complement rather than to supplant the judgment of the industrial hygienist. As a management tool, the guideline is used to quantify plantwide sampling needs and derive sampling schedules. Moreover, criteria are available for evaluating the adequacy of a plant's exposure monitoring program.