USPHS/NIOSH Membrane Filter Method for Evaluating Airborne Asbestos Fibers,

摘要

This report describes the equipment and procedures for collecting,mounting,sizing,and counting asbestos fibers on cellulose ester membrane filters for the evaluation of personal samples or airborne asbestos fibers. Procedures for treating random and systematic errors are presented. These include statistical procedures for determining compliance with asbestos exposure standards. An evaluation of five phase contrast microscopes for asbestos counting is also given. The purpose of the method presented is to determine an employee's exposure to airborne asbestos fibers as referenced in the Federal standard on occupational exposure to asbestos (29CFR 1910.0001,formerly 29CFR 1910.93a) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) air quality standards (30CFR 55.5-1(b), 56.5-1(b), 57.5-1(b),and 71.202). The method is used by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).