SERVICES

Hazard Assessment: The industrial hygiene process begins with the identification and assessment of exposure hazards in the workplace, which may include factories, offices, food establishments, medical care facilities, schools, and construction sites. From this basis, potential workplace exposures can be identified and a sampling strategy developed to quantify the exposures. Safety Professionals will also develop a comprehensive exposure assessment strategy and plan for your facility which should be used to identify future sampling activities and frequencies.

Evaluation: The method or methodologies for properly collecting and analyzing the contaminants are determined by Safety Professionals, Inc. in conjunction with the client and the analytical laboratory. Depending on the nature of the process and contaminant in question, sampling may include full-shift, short-term, task-specific, area, and/or grab or instantaneous sampling.

Developing and Recommending Controls: Safety Professionals, Inc provides detailed, quality reports to clients. The reports include an executive summary, background information, criteria or regulatory references, descriptions of tasks performed, conclusions or findings, and recommendations designed to control the hazards. Safety Professionals works closely with the client to incorporate the most practical method or combination of methods (engineering, administrative and/or personal protection) to reduce exposures.

Safety Professionals, Inc. conducts industrial hygiene monitoring for air contaminants as one of our primary business activities. Safety Professionals has the capabilities to sample for a variety of airborne contaminates including dusts, smoke, fumes, welding fumes, aerosols, mists, gases and vapors. As a result we currently own, calibrate and maintain a wide variety of air sampling equipment including pumps, cyclones, tube holders, flow measurement instrumentation, smoke generators, direct reading gas instruments and calibration devices. Media is selected based on the type of contaminant and the analytical method to be used. Sample media is sent to American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accredited laboratories. Sample results are evaluated and compared to regulatory requirements (OSHA) and other recognized guidelines such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH). Sample results are presented in a table format to allow easy comparison to the exposure limits, and results are included within a comprehensive report including observations and recommendations as needed or requested. Safety Professionals can also assist with specifications for control options, including engineering and operational controls.

Typically, there are two types of air sampling. Personal air sampling is the preferred method used to evaluate worker exposures to airborne contaminants. This is the method used to determine compliance with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.1000, Subpart Z – Toxic and Hazardous Substances). Personal air sampling is conducted using active and/or passive sampling methods. Active sampling uses an air pump to draw a known volume of air through collection media. Passive sampling uses the natural movement of air across a membrane to collect samples. In both cases the sampling device is attached to the employee within the breathing zone.

Area sampling is used to evaluate background concentrations, to locate sources of contamination, and to determine the effectiveness of control measures. This method is conducted by setting the sampling equipment in a fixed position in the work area.

There is a wide range of contaminants that can be sampled and no one sampling media/device can be used for all contaminants. Similarly, there is a wide range of sampling media/devices such as sample filters, cyclones, sorbent sample tubes, impingers and passive samplers.

There are a number of reasons why we monitor the workplace areas and workers for noise. Hearing loss due to occupation noise is one of the major health effects experienced in most workplaces. Hearing losses of 10 dBA or more are now required to be recorded on employer’s OSHA 300 Logs. Workers compensation cases involving hearing loss can also be costly. Noise monitoring is used to evaluate employee exposures to noise, to assist in the design and evaluation of control measures to reduce employee exposures, and to document compliance with OSHA regulations, such as 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure.

Safety Professionals, Inc. does a significant amount of monitoring for noise exposures in a wide variety of factories, offices, schools, and industrial parks. Noise can be monitored using either personal dosimeters or sound level meters. Personal noise dosimetry is the preferred method used to evaluate worker exposures to noise, and to establish worker noise exposure groups. This is also the method used to determine compliance with OSHA regulations. Personal dosimetry is conducted using a dosimeter (a small instrument with an attached microphone). The dosimeter is attached to the employee and the microphone placed within the hearing zone. The device records the noise levels that the employee is exposed to throughout the entire shift. Exposure results are calculated and compared to an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA).

Sound level surveys are taken using a sound level meter. Readings are used to obtain a noise map of the work environment, to locate sources of noise exposures, and to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. Sound level maps are created by recording real time noise levels in relation to specific areas within a given location.

For general industry requirements, when noise monitoring shows that an employee is exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA or greater, the employee must be enrolled in the employer’s Hearing Conservation Program. This includes annual audiograms and training covering the hazards of noise exposure, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Administrative controls, such as area postings, and limited work periods in high noise areas, may also be recommended. When noise monitoring shows that an employee is exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA or greater, the employer must document that engineering controls were investigated and implemented (if feasible). Typically, when employee exposures exceed 90 dBA TWA, and especially if exposures exceed 98-100 dBA, Safety Professionals will recommend the evaluation of engineering controls to comply with the OSHA regulations. Engineering controls could include acoustical enclosures for noisy equipment, vibration dampening, or other fixtures.

Safety Professionals, Inc. provides a comprehensive solution to the identification, inspection, assessment and remediation of mold in your factory, office, residence or commercial facility. Our services, which are tailored to your needs, may include:

• Conducting an inspection, including sampling, for the presence of mold in your office, school, residence, or factory. Safety Professionals, Inc. provides onsite inspection services for residential, governmental and commercial properties. All of our technicians have completed an approved mold inspection and remediation training course.
• Sampling, testing and diagnosis. Technicians identify possible water sources contributing to mold growth, identify areas of significant growth, and perform appropriate sampling.
• If discovered, working with you in developing a remediation plan that is cost effective, including identification of those activities which you may choose to perform.
• Conducting the mold remediation, using guidelines established by respected agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control, American Industrial Hygiene Association, and the New York City Department of Health. Abatement workers follow industry standards for isolation and removal of contaminated materials.
• Performing a post-remediation inspection and sampling to verify the effectiveness of the remediation activity.

Our subsidiary, Got Mold Inc., specializes in the identification, analysis and remediation of mold, as well as asbestos, lead and all other sorts of indoor air quality concerns. Got Mold, Inc. provides comprehensive, turnkey solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and tailored to meet your objectives and budget. For more information, contact www.GotMoldinc.com.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, sometimes referred to as "sick building syndrome", and "building-related illnesses", are not a new concern. However, increased public awareness, new scientific findings regarding potential health effects, and improved assessment techniques have transformed this area in recent years. Our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) surveys conducted by qualified industrial hygienists and technicians are designed to identify contaminants that may impair health or productivity resulting from recently constructed or remodeled buildings, catastrophic events (fire, flood, etc.) as well as for sick building complaint situations.

These IAQ surveys may include one or more of the following activities:

• On-site Investigation and Risk Assessment
• Building Material Review (Mold, Lead, Asbestos)
• Evaluation of Health Effects
• Ventilation Studies
• Routine maintenance activities evaluation
• Development of Abatement Design
• Awareness Training
• Comprehensive written reports
• JCAHO maintenance programs

The IAQ survey sampling protocols are performed by our professional team including Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) and other credentialed environmental and health professionals. Sampling results are interpreted by our staff and compared to recommendations established by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), American Society of Heating, Refrigerators, and Air Conditioners (ASHRAE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) now require that healthcare institutions remain in a constant state of readiness. In partnership with NFPA, OSHA, and other professional and governmental organizations, JCAHO's Environment of Care (EC) standards are an integral part of staying responsive with the ever-changing healthcare environment.

Buildings built prior to the 1980s may pose an immediate risk to occupants if the asbestos-containing materials such as floor tiles and adhesives, thermal insulation, ceiling tiles, surfacing materials, and lab countertops or building siding (transite) are being disturbed. However, asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, provided the asbestos is maintained in good condition it is recommended that it be left alone with periodic surveillance to monitor its condition. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are only hazardous when they are disturbed or the materials become damaged.

Safety Professionals, Inc. offers asbestos services to commercial, governmental, residential, and educational and public housing in the following areas:

• Provide guidance concerning when an asbestos inspection is required.
• Conduct an asbestos inspection prior to remodeling or demolition of office, school, residence or factory. At Safety Professionals, Inc. Our asbestos inspectors are licensed by the State of South Carolina, Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).
• Based on the asbestos inspection, identify and evaluate your options for asbestos removal, or management. Our asbestos management planners are AHERA trained and licensed by SCDHEC.
• Should you decide to remove the asbestos, we will develop an abatement plan, asbestos abatement specifications and drawings, and work with you in selecting an asbestos abatement contractor, based on our experience with contractors who perform such work. Our asbestos project designers are AHERA trained and licensed by SCDHEC.
• Provide oversight and supervision of the asbestos abatement contractor, including independent air monitoring and bulk sampling. . Our asbestos air samplers are trained and licensed by SCDHEC.

Three-quarters of the housing built in the United States before 1978 (approximately 64 million dwellings) contain lead-based paint. An estimated 1.7 million children have blood-lead levels above safe limits. To address this crisis and protect families from exposure to lead in paint, dust, and soil, Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X). This Act provides guidelines for the inspection, interim controls and abatement of lead-based paint hazards. The Act also requires the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and associated hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978.

To address these needs, Safety Professionals, Inc. provides the following services:

• Conduct initial inspections for lead-based paint dust, soil and water using a variety of bulk and air sampling and instrument techniques, including X-Ray Fluorescence, as appropriate.
• Prepare a risk assessment, and develop operations and maintenance programs.
• Develop medical surveillance recommendations, if appropriate.
• Design and/or evaluate engineering controls, and establish waste disposal practices

The Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is an act which imposes a legal duty on any current or past owner to clean up a contaminated site, whether or not that owner was responsible for the contamination. Reinforced by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, prospective property buyers must undertake "due diligence" to determine potential environmental hazards on the proposed site. As a result, potential buyers need reliable and thorough comprehensive environmental site assessments to protect themselves against liabilities for possible pre-existing hazardous materials.

Safety Professional senior level environmental health professionals perform property hazard assessment evaluations that typically involve reviewing site records to establish occupant histories of the site and neighboring properties and to determine the potential presence of chemical contaminants; designing sampling strategies; and collecting air, water, soil, wipe, bulk, and other samples for analysis.

Among the more common hazardous materials encountered are asbestos; lead, mercury, and other metals; pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive compounds; organic and inorganic acids, and microbial growth and/or fungal or bacterial growth contamination on building materials or on contents within structures due to water intrusion episodes and/or sewage spills.

For reliable investigations of possible contamination, and for official documentation of property conditions and remediation services, Safety Professionals, Inc. offers Phase I, Modified Phase I, Phase II and Phase III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). Phase I and Phase II ESAs notify potential buyers of property contamination problems before purchase, insuring that the buyer will avoid liability and/or costs associated with cleanups. Phase III services aid the property owner in cost-effective remediation efforts.

The residential, commercial, and investment real estate industry is often fast-paced, requiring that significant financial decisions be made quickly. But while there is not much time to conduct a thorough due diligence assessment, as described in the previous paragraphs, environmental health liabilities are important considerations when pursuing real estate purchases, investments or managing properties.

Potentially costly real estate liabilities may be associated with asbestos, mold contamination, heavy metals, pesticides or "sick building syndrome". Safety Professionals, Inc specializes in quickly obtaining and reporting the vital environmental and health information needed to make important financial and management decisions regarding single sites and multi-million dollar portfolios.

All surveys are performed in accordance with recognized protocols, and all samples are collected and analyzed using state-of-the-art methods in appropriately qualified laboratories. Following assessment surveys, comprehensive reports are prepared which contain background information, observations, analytical results, data interpretation in light of applicable regulations and health hazard studies, conclusions, and, if deemed appropriate, recommendations concerning remedial action and preventive maintenance.

For those clients having industrial hygiene departments or managers, Safety Professionals, Inc. can provide our experienced industrial hygienists to supplement a client's needs. An example may be providing a professional to only collect airborne contaminant samples at the direction of the client, or to augment the client’s safety and health staff for a short or extended time period.