Hierarchy Measurement Methods Chemical Substances

For many chemical substances methods for measuring the concentrations in the air at the workplace are known. Mostly they are 'integrative' methods, which show concentrations in the form of time-weighted average values. For approximately 300 of these substances measurement methods are available which show instantaneous concentration values, or average concentrations over short measurement periods. DOHSBase Compare gives, if necessary, different reference periods for different measurement methods.

In addition, the measurement methods can be differentiated according to:

specificity/selectivity for the chemical substance to be measured;
accuracy;
lower limit of the concentration to be measured;
suitability for person-air sampling;
whether or not sampling and analysis are separated;
sampling method, etc.

Finally, there are differences in:

ease of use;
versatility;
reliability;
cost per measurement.

The choice for the use of a method will, in general, be determined by reconciliation of the total of these properties on the purpose of the measurement.

The measurement methods DOHSBase Compare originate from publicly available standard rules for measuring personal concentrations. The following hierarchy is used:

For the Dutch version:

1. NEN measurement methods, protocols for wood dust and welding fumes from the Netherlands

2. EU proposed measurement methods for substances with a BLV or IOELV

3. MDHS measurement methods from the British HSE

4. GESTIS measurement methods from the German IFA

5. NIOSH NMAM measurement methods (4e and 5e edition) from the USA

6. NIOSH NMAM measurement methods (1e, 2e and 3e edition incl. P&CM en S) from the USA

7. OSHA measurement methods from theUSA

8. MTA and MB measurement methods from the Spanish INSHT

9. Measurement methods published in peer reviewed scientific publications

10. Measurement methods from research institutes, universities and companies

As much as possible hyperlinks appear to the publication with the measurement method.

For the hierarchy of OEL's for chemical substances: click here.

Hierarchy Measurement Methods Chemical Substances ​

Hierarchy Measurement Methods Chemical Substances