Answer

Evaluation of Methyl n-amyl ketone Exposure to Employees

Volume

Using 0.05 L/m primary standard, the volume of the two samples collected is calculated as follows;

Sample 1

The sample is collected for 430 minutes.

The primary standard calibration (rate) = 0.05 L/m

Volume=Time*rate= 0.05*430=21.5L

Sample 2

The sample is collected for 440 minutes

The primary standard calibration (rate) = 0.05 Lm

Volume=Time*rate=0.05*440=22L

Sample Concentrations

At the different locations of the sampler, the amount of the analytes is as follows:

Sample 1

Front section=5000micro-grams=Wf

Back section=200=Wb

Sample 2

Front section=4000=Wf

Back section=50=Wb

Blank

Front section=0

Back section=0=Bb

The calculation of the sample’s concentration obtained in µg/L and mg/m³ can be done as follows:

Concentration c = (Wf + Wb –Bf – Bb) / V = mg/m³.

Sample 1

Concentration = (5000+200-0-0)/21.5 = 241.86 mg/m3 = 241.86 microgram/L

Sample 2

Concentration = (4000+50-0-0)/22 = 184.09 mg/m3 = 184.09 microgram/L

Conversion into Parts Per Million

Molecular Weight = 114.2

The gaseous fumes’ constant = 24.45

Concentration in ppm = ideal gas constant*Conc. in mg/m3/molecular weight

Sample 1

Conc. in ppm =24.45*241.86/114.2=51.78ppm

Sample 2

Conc. in ppm = 24.45*184.09/112.4=39.41ppm

Comparing the Results to the OSHA Standard Limit and the Implementation Method

Comparing the samples’ results obtained with the OSHA permissible exposure limits of 100ppm, the values obtained are well below the recommended limit.

In the determination, the NIOSH method 2553 implemented was implemented. This method is in compliance with the OSHA requirements owing to its high conformance with regards to the set up. Therefore it is a recommended method for use. Their exposure limit of methyl n-amyl ketone is also equal to that of OSHA PEL (Breen et al 2018).

Comparison of the Results to the ACGIH TLV and Recommendation

According to the results exhibited by the two samples that were collected, values obtained were very close to the limits set by ACGIH where it is observed that sample 1 exceeded the exposure limits slightly (Smith 2018). According to the ACGIH, this is supposed to undergo investigation for compliance suppose the ACGIH recommendations are to be applied by the investigative team since the set exposure limit is almost exceeded. This will definitely make different the company to operate when the ACGIH recommendations the minimum limit allowed is applied during the investigation process. Although, most regulations do adopt the OSHA recommended limits, it is very important for the organization to aim towards keeping the limits set by the ACGIH because that will ensure they are able to compliance with the law at ease. Although, keeping up with the ACGIH guidelines is a difficult process, it seems to be suitable for application by the industry to observe it such that when the investigative team from a regulatory body comes with the OSHA standards, they will automatically be found on the safer side of the law.

In my recommendation, I would prefer the result be compared to the OSHA PEL to be used by the investigative team from a regulatory body and not ACGIH TLV. According to the limits that have been set aside by OSHA the results obtained is way below the permissible exposure limits. Since PELS are legal limits, OSHA can enforce their use and compliance. It would be required of the industry to comply with the standards set by OSHA failure of which can lead to legal suits (Kostoff 2018). TLVs of the ACGIH are not legal limits but just recommendations which also support PELS.I would therefore recommend to my employer to do comparison with the OSHA PELS for purposes of complying with the law.