FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE For workplace exposure, the ACS monitoring badges meet OSHA requirements for exposure times from 15 minutes to more than 8 hours. The analysis is done in an AIHA accredited laboratory.

• Convenient All-inclusive price for Badge, Analysis, and Report.
• Reliable Meets OSHA and NIOSH Accuracy Requirements
• Validated Analytical Methods
• AIHA and New Your ELAP Accredited Laboratory -- Fully reviewed QA/QC Procedures

For Health Care Workers
  Acetic Acid
  Ammonia
  Chloroform
  Collodion
  Ethylene Oxide
  Formaldehyde
  Glutaraldehyde
  Anesthetics
  Hydrogen Peroxide
  Hydroquinone
  Isopropyl Alcohol
  Mercury Vapor
  Methyl Methacrylate
  Nitrous Oxide
  o-Phthalaldehyde
  Toluene
  Xylene

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ACS Badge work?
There are no moving parts. The device weighs less than 1 ounce (28 grams). Air diffuses through a micro-porous membrane, and collects on special prepared adsorbents inside the monitoring badge. The ACS laboratory analyzes the chemicals collected, and reports the average concentration while the device was exposed.
Can I monitor multiple chemicals on one badge?
Yes. For many common organic vapors the same badge can be used to measure more than 70 chemicals simultaneously. For some chemicals special badges are needed. The latter include formaldehyde, mercury, ethylene oxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides. Consult the laboratory for details.
For workplace measurement, how long should I wear the badge?
Occupational exposure regulations are based on short-term exposure of 15 minutes, and also on full workday exposure of 8-hours. The ACS badge meets OSHA accuracy requirements for a time period from 15 minutes to more than 8-hours.
How many do I need?
To comply with OSHA requirements for workplace testing, each person who is exposed to the chemical as a regular part of their job should be tested. The monitoring must includes a 15-minute test (STEL) and the 8-hour test (PEL).
For indoor air quality, one monitoring badge is sufficient for several hundred square feet. With central heating and cooling, the air recirculation often makes the concentration uniform over a larger area.
How often should I monitor?
For workplace exposure there must be initial employee monitoring and periodic monitoring. The interval for the periodic monitoring depends on particular situations. For example, OSHA and JCAHO have different policies. Monitoring each calendar quarter is a reasonable approach. Additional tests are needed when procedures or equipment are changed, or when the results are high.
After the initial test in the home, additional tests should be done when there is remodeling, or the addition of new wood products or coatings.
What should I do if the results are high?
Corrective action is needed. This usually includes a change in work procedure and improved ventilation. Additional testing is required until it is clear that the exposure can be kept low. When two tests are low, after a high exposure, normal conditions have returned. If the exposure cannot be kept low, protective equipment and biological monitoring are often needed.
What type of accreditation ACS have?
Advanced Chemical Sensors Co. is accredited by The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for industrial hygiene testing, and by The New York State Department of Health (ELAP). The laboratory conforms to ISO Standard 17025. There are strict written quality assurance procedures that are reviewed on site by the accrediting agencies.
Are the results accepted by OSHA or Joint Commission?
Results from an AIHA accredited laboratory will be accepted in any inspection of facilities. The results have also been accepted as valid in disputes, and in judicial proceedings.
Can the results be used for a legal purpose?
The results can be used in legal disputes, because of the laboratory accreditation and strict quality assurance associated with each test. The test results are valid scientific evidence.
Is the reported ppm based on a TWA?
The concentration (ppm or mg/cubic meter) on the laboratory report is the time-weighted average concentration for the actual exposure time that was used. It is not based on an 8 hour period, unless the actual exposure time is 8 hours. There are exceptions to this, when the client requests the results for an 8 hour TWA period, or when it will add to the clarity of the report, as described below.
What do "Basis 8.00 hours" or "Basis 0.25 hours" mean?
The 8 hour time-weighted average (TWA) and the 15 minute average will be given on the report when these are the actual exposure times. It will also be given when it adds to the clarity of the report. For example, assume that the permissible exposure limit is 1.0 ppm as an 8 hour TWA, and the result for an actual exposure of 4 hours is 1.4 ppm. Then the 8 hour TWA will also be given. The reason is that 1.4 ppm is above the exposure limit of 1.0 ppm. However, the limit is based on 8 hours. The 8 hour TWA shows that the exposure limit is not exceeded, assuming no additional exposure after the actual time of 4 hours. The report will give the actual result for 4 hours (1.4 ppm). It will also say : "Basis 8 hours 0.7 ppm."