Part 1: Evaluation of Exposure Risk
Scenario:
You are contracted as a consultant occupational hygienist to complete an occupational hygiene assessment for SB Fabrications, based in Smithfield, Sydney.
Company Overview:
SB Fabrications fabricates various metal components using:
- Lathes
- Milling machines
- Grinding machines
- Metal guillotines
- Metal forming/bending equipment
- Polishing machines
Work Areas:
- Machinist’s Workshop
- Equipment: Lathes and milling machines
- Personnel: 7 machinists, 1 apprentice, 1 supervisor
- Finishing Workshop
- Equipment: Grinding and polishing machines
- Personnel: 4 finishing workers, 1 supervisor/leading hand
Work Schedule:
- 8-hour shifts
- 5 days per week
Metalworking Fluid Composition:
- Semi-synthetic MWF containing:
- Monoethanolamine (MEA, CAS 141-43-5)
- Triethanolamine (TEA, CAS 102-71-6)
Reference Video:
How Metalworking Fluids are Used
Questions for Consideration
- Major Health Hazards:
- Anticipated health effects from exposure to MEA and TEA
- Skin and respiratory irritation
- Potential sensitization or dermatitis
- Risk Assessment Approach:
- Identification of hazards
- Assessment of exposure
- Evaluation of health risks
- Occupational Hygiene Monitoring Requirements:
- Determine if air monitoring is needed for ethanolamines
- Consider particle/fume exposure from grinding/polishing
- Monitoring Strategy:
- Identify target worker groups
- Determine sampling duration and frequency
- Decide number of samples required
Task #1:
- Develop a sampling strategy:
- Determine workplace exposures
- Include worker groups, number of samples, and methodology
- Research potential hazards and health effects
Part 2: Evaluation of Monitoring Results
Provided Data:
- Air monitoring data for MEA and TEA in the workplace
- Data available on Excel spreadsheet (via Moodle)
Task #2 Instructions
- Review Sample Data:
- Calculate concentrations
- Statistical Analysis:
- Use EN689 and IHStats
- Summarize key parameters in a descriptive statistics table
- Provide interpretation of results
- Sampling Limitations:
- Consider limitations of 2-day sampling strategy
- Legislative Compliance:
- Evaluate whether workplace exposures comply with legislation
- Additional Hazards:
- Identify any other chemical hazards requiring monitoring
- Conclusions & Overexposure Evaluation:
- Determine if controls are required
- Compare with literature
Task #3 – Technical Report Writing
Requirements:
Prepare a professional AIOH-style technical report for the Health & Safety Manager. Include:
- Methodology
- Identification and Evaluation of Hazards
- Conclusions based on exposure data
- Statistical review of sampling data
Marking Criteria
Criteria Title/Cover page/Executive summary Process description (health effects & legislation) Methods & Measurements Evaluation of Results & Discussion Conclusion & Recommendations General presentation & readability (referencing according to UOW Harvard)
Generative AI Declaration
Select the relevant option for your submission:
I have not used any generative AI tools or technologies to prepare this assessment.
I acknowledge the use of generative AI tools or technologies to prepare this assessment.
- Include AI tool used
- Provide prompts and links
- Demonstrate how final submission is your own
Assessment Requirements
The HAS 962 – Measurement Assessment 4 requires students to complete a professional occupational hygiene technical report for SB Fabrications, a metal fabrication company based in Smithfield, Sydney. The assessment is divided into three parts:
Part 1 – Evaluation of Exposure Risk
- Identify the major health hazards associated with the use of metalworking fluids (MWFs) containing monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA).
- Describe a risk assessment approach, including hazard identification, exposure assessment, and evaluation of health risks.
- Determine occupational hygiene monitoring requirements: which worker groups to monitor, for what hazards, duration, and number of samples.
- Develop a sampling strategy with justification and methodology.
Part 2 – Evaluation of Monitoring Results
- Review and calculate concentrations from provided air monitoring data (Excel spreadsheet).
- Conduct statistical analysis using EN689 and IHStats.
- Summarize results in a descriptive statistics table with interpretation.
- Evaluate sampling limitations, legislative compliance, and identify other chemical hazards if applicable.
- Draw conclusions regarding potential overexposure and compare findings with literature.
Part 3 – Technical Report Writing
- Prepare an AIOH-style professional technical report for the Health & Safety Manager.
- Include methodology, hazard evaluation, exposure data interpretation, and statistical review.
- Maintain professional presentation, correct referencing (UOW Harvard), and executive summary.
Additional Requirement:
- Include a Generative AI declaration if AI tools were used.
Approach Taken by Academic Mentor
The academic mentor guided the student through a step-by-step process to ensure a structured, thorough approach:
- Understanding the Scenario
- The mentor helped the student review company details, workshops, equipment, and the composition of metalworking fluids.
- Emphasis was placed on identifying potential health hazards from MEA and TEA exposure, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and sensitization.
- Part 1 – Sampling Strategy Development
- The student was guided to identify worker groups: machinists, finishing workers, apprentices, and supervisors.
- Sampling methodology was explained: personal air monitoring, area sampling, duration (full shift), and number of samples (ensuring statistical validity).
- Justification for sampling frequency and selection of high-risk tasks was provided.
- Part 2 – Data Analysis and Interpretation
- The student was instructed on calculating concentrations from raw monitoring data.
- Statistical analysis using EN689 and IHStats was explained, including derivation of mean, standard deviation, 95th percentile, and exposure distribution.
- Mentor highlighted limitations of a 2-day sampling strategy and encouraged discussion on legislative compliance.
- Guidance was provided on how to identify additional chemical hazards, such as airborne dust or fumes from grinding/polishing.
- Part 3 – Report Writing
- The mentor guided the student to structure the technical report with clear sections:
- Executive Summary
- Process Description (health effects, legislation)
- Methods & Measurements
- Evaluation of Results & Discussion
- Conclusions (without recommending specific controls)
- Emphasis was placed on professional presentation, correct referencing, and use of tables and figures to summarize statistical findings.
- The mentor guided the student to structure the technical report with clear sections:
Learning Objectives Achieved
- Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment: Understanding exposure risks from MEA and TEA and related health effects.
- Occupational Hygiene Monitoring: Designing a sampling strategy, determining who to monitor, and selecting appropriate methodology.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Calculating concentrations, applying statistical methods (EN689/IHStats), and interpreting results.
- Compliance Assessment: Evaluating workplace exposures against legislation.
- Professional Reporting: Structuring and presenting a technical report consistent with AIOH guidelines.
Outcome
Through this guided approach:
- A sampling strategy was developed with identified worker groups and sampling methodology.
- Air monitoring data were analyzed, with statistical summaries and interpretation provided.
- The report addressed compliance, potential overexposure, and other hazards, supported by literature.
- The final submission demonstrated professional occupational hygiene reporting skills, meeting all marking criteria and learning objectives.