Course Description:
Recorded at AIHce EXP 2023

Presentations
Simple Steps of Real-Time Particulate Monitoring

Industry application of real-time particulate monitoring (RTPM) is emerging and rapidly growing. The lure of shiny new equipment has led to an increased use of these devices by unconventional users (workers, supervisors and safety). Most enter into this thinking it is as simple as 1,2 3 (1. buy equipment, 2. give it to a worker and 3. compare the result to an exposure standard).

In the absence of standardization and reputable guidance in applying RTPM programs, many organization have subsequently experienced a failed deployment.
The paper proposes industry wide processes and principles to address this void for short to medium term application. This then challenges researchers and other technical organizations to establish literature to challenge/validate industry led practices.

Co-Authors
P. Knott, GCG health safety & hygiene, Newcastle, Australia.
T. Mapondera, GCG health safety & hygiene, Perth, Australia.

Acknowledgements & References
Nil

Author
Dustin Bennett, COH, GCG Health Safety & Hygiene Brisbane AUSTRALIA, Queensland
Australia

Mobile Sensor Networks to Prevent Wildfire Smoke Exposures for Remote Outdoor Workers

As a historic rise in wildfires over the past few years continues to endanger the safety of outdoor workers-many organizations are stuck using inadequate air quality monitoring (AQI) measurement methods. Wildfire smoke is composed of fine particles that can irritate the lungs and cause serious or even fatal health effects. The Creek Fire scorched more than 375,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest in 2020. In response, a major utility mobilized a workforce of more than 2,000 personnel, 9 laydown yards, and 4,800 pieces of equipment to repair damaged hydro facilities, power poles, and electrical wires. Poor air quality from wildfire smoke and inaccessible mountainous terrain brought on significant challenges and delays due to the logistics of compliance. Whenever the AQI was around 500, workers had to halt operations to ensure that workers weren't being overexposed; resulting in costly delays and unnecessary downtime. Here we present a case study of deploying dozens of mobile air quality monitors where we discuss outcomes from the deployment along with considerations for best practices, field calibration to wildfire smoke, and data analysis.

Co-Authors
T, Chadha, Applied Particle Technology, Boise, Idaho, USA

Acknowledgements & References
none

Author
Jiaxi Fang, PhD, Applied Particle Technology Boise, ID
United States of America

Contact Hours:
1

Presentation Date:
05/22/2023

Presenters:
Rene Leblanc
Dustin Bennett, COH
Jiaxi Fang, PhD