Direct Reading Instruments Many different direct reading instruments are available for air sampling measurements. Some of these can be very specific to a chemical (e.g., sulfur dioxide analyzers) while others are nonspecific (e.g., organic vapor analyzer with photoionization [PID] or flame ionization [FID] detectors). Calibrate all instruments before and after making any measurements.
Samples with Subsequent
Laboratory Analysis
There are many air sampling techniques that rely on collecting a known volume of air followed by laboratory analysis.
Passive diffusion badges are easy to use and excellent for measuring many volatile organic compounds. This method is most useful for measuring (quantifying) known airborne contaminants. Although passive badges are commonly employed for measuring full shift average exposures, they also can be useful for
Solid sorbent/tubes/bubblers are similar in many ways to passive badges except that air must be actively drawn through the sampling device using a calibrated sampling pump. Numerous laboratory techniques are available for specific chemical analysis following sample collection.
Grab samples refer to collecting a volume of air at a certain point in time. This technique can be useful
for assessing
This technique is most useful for volatile organic hydrocarbons.
VENTILATION AND WORK PRACTICE CONTROL MEASURES
Proper ventilation is important to assure a safe and comfortable indoor environment for photographic processing areas. Several common potential indoor air contaminants can be associated with photographic processing. These include: acetic acid, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia. These chemicals may be eye and respiratory tract irritants depending on their airborne concentrations. Exposure guidelines and standards for these chemicals have been established to prevent significant eye or respiratory tract irritation in most workers. Significant eye or respiratory tract irritation during normal photographic processing or maintenance operations may indicate elevated levels of these materials and the need for better control.
General control strategies in order of preference include:
•chemical substitution (where possible)
•engineering controls (ventilation, enclosures, process isolation)
•work practices or administrative controls (operating procedures, employee rotation)
•personal protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, respirators)
Engineering controls that have proven to be effective in minimizing airborne levels of photographic processing chemicals include:
•Good design and layout for process flow and ergonomic considerations
•Using dilution and local exhaust ventilation
•Providing covers for processing equipment tanks and chemical storage tanks
GOOD FACILITY DESIGN
The proper location and layout of photographic processing operations is an important element in designing a safe and healthy workplace.
General ventilation systems have the potential to recirculate a significant percentage of the air returning from the photographic processing areas. If the general ventilation system also supplies
VENTILATION
Kodak studies of potential worker exposure during automated photographic processing operations have indicated that vapors and gases can be controlled to acceptable levels through good general room ventilation (dilution ventilation). However, in some cases, local exhaust for enclosed and/or open tanks may be recommended.
6 | Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in Photographic Processing Facilities • |
