Mining IH Sample Collector Course

adrian fung on November 28, 2023

These are self-directed online course modules developed for individuals who have been tasked with conducting air sampling for occupational exposure assessment reasons, but who are not already industrial hygienists. This course will allow students to become proficient in collecting appropriate sampling data that can be utilized in a larger occupational health program. This course is not meant to replace industrial hygiene training for those wanting to become industrial hygienists.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Understand what industrial hygiene is
  2. Understand the different types of hazards
  3. Sample for airborne hazards including
    a. How to select appropriate sampling media and equipment
    b. How to calibrate equipment
    c. How to take appropriate field notes
    d. How to fill out a chain-of-custody form and send samples to the laboratory
  4. Understand basics of interpreting sampling data including
    a. How to read a laboratory report
    b. How to compare to occupational exposure limits
  5. Understand the limitations of this short course and where additional professional assistance is required.

Course Contents

Module 1: Introduction to Industrial Hygiene

A quick introduction to the world of industrial hygiene

Lessons

Overview Learning Objectives Introduction Which Hygiene? Importance of Occupational Hygiene Regulations Qualifications Roles A Day in the Life of Industrial Hygiene Equipment Exposure Limits Hazards Biological Chemical Physical Physcological Anticipate, recognize, evaluate, control, and confirm Anticipation Recognition Evaluation Control Confirm ARECC Activity Knowledge Translation Final

Module 2: Particulate Matter

All about particulate matter in mining

Lessons

Understand there are different types of airborne particles and contaminants. Describe common particulate exposures in mining and their related health effects. Learn about the applicable occupational exposure limits. Understand why certain sampling types required. Understand that different methodologies exist. Interpret a methodology. Learn about applicable particulate monitoring equipment. Describe the procedure for general particulate sampling. Understand how to operate, maintain, and calibrate monitoring equipment for particulate sampling. Understand how to conduct personal monitoring and area samples. Document relevant field information on field data sheets during sampling. Prepare samples for laboratory analysis and fill out chain of custody forms after sampling.

Module 3: Gases and Vapours

All about gases and vapours in mining

Lessons

Understand the difference between gases and vapours. Describe common gas and vapour exposures in mining and their related health effects. Learn about the applicable occupational exposure limits. Understand why certain sampling types required. Understand that different methodologies exist. Be able to interpret a methodology. Learn about applicable particulate monitoring equipment. Describe the procedure for general gas and vapour sampling. Understand how to operate, maintain, and calibrate monitoring equipment for gas and vapour sampling. Understand how to conduct personal monitoring and area samples. Document relevant field information on field data sheets during sampling. Prepare samples for laboratory analysis and fill out chain of custody forms after sampling.

Module 4: Sample Collection

Time to get your hands dirty

Lessons

Assemble a calibration and sampling train for total particulate. Assemble a calibration and sampling train for inhalable particulate. Assemble a calibration and sampling train for respirable particulate. Prepare a passive sampling badge. Assemble a calibration and sampling train using sorbent tubes. Prepare a direct read instrument for sampling. Place a sampling train on a worker. Inform workers of important points to remember while wearing sampling trains.

Module 5: Analysis and Interpretation

Find your way around lab reports

Lessons

Understand the different units associated with different analytes. Understand the different parts of a lab report. Understand how to evaluate an individual sample from lab report. Understand how to interpret an individual sample against occupational exposure limits. Understand that grouped data is also important and a better view of site exposure potential.

Time Commitment

This course will take approximately 16 hours to complete.  It can be completed at the learner’s pace and can be resumed at any time.

Evaluation

There will be a knowledge checks throughout each module and a final exam after each module. Students will have three chances to pass the final exam and require 80% or above to pass. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion.

Ready?