AirQuest personnel are experienced in performing ambient air monitoring and personnel protection monitoring during construction activities. Over a set period of time, air monitoring is conducted for any air pollutants to evaluate compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Real time data monitoring is conducted using a Thermo DR-4000 DataRAM, DustTrack® or equivalent monitor for PM10. Based on observations taken at the time of site activities, monitors may be set up for logging over a period of time. Upon the completion of the onsite monitoring activities, a summary report that includes details of procedures and results of the investigation is prepared.
Worker Protection & Exposure Monitoring Plan
The purpose of a Worker Protection & Exposure Monitoring Plan is to define the requirements and designate protocols to be followed at the site during remediation activities and to minimize or eliminate occupational exposures of field personnel. A monitoring plan applies to all employees, contractors, subcontractors, and visitors of the client.
AirQuest creates personalized Worker Protection & Exposure Monitoring Plans based on site specific activities and respiratory protection standards. The plan outlines key personnel who will implement the plan. The document can include, but is not limited to, worker protection requirements such as personnel protective equipment and required training programs, hygiene requirements, personnel air monitoring that specifies how often samples will be collected and how they will be analyzed, and specifications for employee notification.
Ambient Air Monitoring
AirQuest personnel continually monitor the site for dust levels to reduce the potential worker exposures to contaminants (such as particulates, metals, volatile organic compounds) as well as off-site migration. Ambient air monitoring is conducted using onsite field screening techniques as well as sample collection and laboratory analysis. Results of the air monitoring are used to control exposures to onsite personnel as well as dust migration offsite.
An Onsite Safety Monitor continually monitors for dust generation. When dust plumes or clouds are observed, ambient dust levels are collected with field screening instruments. Additional dust control methods (such as misting the area) can be employed to reduce dust generation.
Air monitoring is conducted for total particulates during soil sieving and soil moving activities to evaluate respiratory protection requirements as well as the potential for dust migration. Total particulates and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are monitored continuously with particle counters, particulate monitors, photoionization detectors and other instruments as necessary for the scope of work. Readings are recorded in real-time and may be stored for subsequent download and analysis. For ambient air monitoring, total particulates is often used to provide real-time feedback during excavation activities when dust levels may warrant additional misting.