Analysis of Wildfire and Structure Fire Combustion Residues
Microscopy Methods and Other Considerations
CONTENTS
ANALYSIS OF WILDFIRE AND STRUCTURE FIRE COMBUSTION RESIDUES
MICROSCOPY METHODS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The reliability of analytical results produced by laboratories for wildfire or structure fire investigations depends on the use of sampling and analytical methods that preserve the sampled particles’ chemical and physical properties. It is also vital that the methods do not alter, destroy, or inhibit the detection of the collected combustion particles or residues.
BY DANIEL M. BAXTER, RUSS CRUTCHER, BRAD KOVAR, AND LARRY WAYNE
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TEACHING LABORATORY SAFETY
EMPOWERING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND RESEARCHERS TO DO SAFE SCIENCE
An ongoing struggle for safety professionals is effectively training employees to ensure they are performing their work safely and that they will go home healthy. The unique, amorphous environment of research and laboratory work, which features constantly changing processes, employees, and work sites, poses additional challenges.
BY ASHLEY AUGSPURGER, AMANDA HYETT-RINGGENBERG, AND RACHAEL PERRIELLO
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MEASURING AIRBORNE PARTICULATES
THE SCIENCE OF DEVELOPING A NEW PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM
For many years, AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs has provided external quality control program assessment for laboratories, allowing participants to demonstrate their ability to correctly analyze samples of common workplace and environmental contaminants. Later this year, AIHA PAT Programs will launch a new proficiency testing program for the gravimetric determination of airborne particulates. BY ANGELA OLER
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LASER SAFETY BASICS FOR LABORATORIES
SPONSORED BY KENTEK CORP.
A laser environment in a laboratory should reflect rational and deliberate economic choices that mitigate an identified sea of potential hazards. This article presents an overview of safe laser management in a lab environment. BY RICH GREENE
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WHAT MORE CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OUR WORKERS FROM SILICA EXPOSURE?
SPONSORED BY NANOZEN
Standard occupational particulate sampling involves drawing a known volume of air from the worker’s breathing zone and collecting the aerosol sample onto a filter. Filters are then sent away to an accredited lab to identify and quantify hazardous materials. It can take weeks to obtain the filter analysis data, which seriously impedes timely interventions to pinpoint and correct problems. BY WINNIE CHU
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CONTRIBUTORS
DANIEL M. BAXTER, FEATURE AUTHOR
ASHLEY AUGSPURGER, FEATURE AUTHOR
Ashley Augspurger, PhD, CIH, CSP, is the biosafety officer and chemical hygiene officer for Corteva Agrisciences in Iowa.
ANGELA OLER, FEATURE AUTHOR
Angela Oler is managing director of AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs.
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