Wts Ecco Result

This Survey Report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility

evaluated and may not be universally applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be

considered as final statements of 3M PPE Recommendations or of any agency or individual

involved. This final report is for review purpose only.

WALK-THROUGH SURVEY REPORT:

PARTICULATES AND CHEMICAL EXPOSURES DURING

LABORATORY WORK ACTIVITIES

At

PT. ECCCO TANERY INDONESIA

CANDI, SIDOARJO, EAST JAVA

REPORT WRITTEN BY:

HARI MURTI, ALBERTUS

REPORT DATE:

December 10, 2010

REPORT NO:

WTS/CSTMR- 01/10

PT. 3M INDONESIA

Division of Occupational Health & Environmental Safety

Surabaya Based, East Java, Indonesia

SITE SURVEYED : PT. ECCO TANERY INDONESIA

LINE OF BUSINESS : Manufature

PRODUCTS : Foot Apparel

SURVEY DATE : December 29, 2010

TOTAL EMPLOYEE : a. Man : N/A

b. Woman : N/A

SURVEY CONDUCTED BY : HARI MURTI

OH&ES Division, Surabaya Based, 3M ID

EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES

CONTACTED :Wiena Riza Pasaribu, SHE Officer,

PT. Ecco Tanery Indonesia

Candi- Sidorajo

ATTENDANT:

DISCLAIMER Mention of company names or products does not constitute endorsement by the Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division, 3M ID.

Introduction

On December, 2010, representative from 3M Indonesia of the Division of Occupational Health & Environmental Safety conducted a walkthrough survey at PT. Ecco Tannery Indonesia. The primary purpose of this walk-through was to identify the type of exposure in particular section of facility and thus, recommending suitable products to protect labors, as the company assets.

Further, the walkthrough process is to encourage safe work practices and address unsafe behaviors in the field and to change positively employee’s perspective about safety. The main goals for the walk-through survey included performing a preliminary assessment of the occupational exposures to particulate, gas & vapor in air and observing the effectiveness of engineering exposure-control A secondary objective was to perform a preliminary assessment of the noise exposures occurring during these operations.

3 Walk-Through Survey Report Company Name : PT. Ecco Tannery Indonesia Location : Candi- Sidoarjo

Jl. Raya Bligo No 17, Sidoarjo, East Java Conducted by/date: Hari Murti / December 29, 2010 Attendant : Ms. Wiena Riza Pasaribu Attention to : Ms. Wiena Riza Pasaribu PT. Ecco Tannery Indonesia Phone : + 031-8964555 Fax :031-8962011-8962012 Equipment : 1. Noise Level Meter- Quest Sound Pro 2. Particle Counter – TSI Aero Track (be able to measure particle from 0.3 µm to 10 µm) Finding: 1. Particle exposures

Most area consist of very fine particulate contaminant (respirable size). The smaller the particle size, the higher the health hazard will be as it will be easily through in to the lung tissue. The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into human lungs, and some may even get into bloodstream. Exposure to such particles can affect both lungs and heart. Larger particles are of less concern, although they can irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Small particles of concern include “fine particles”

(such as those found in smoke and haze), which are 2,5 micrometers in diameter or less; and “coarse particles” (such as those found in wind-blown dust,powder), which have diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers.

Workers used inappropriate respirator and other PPE. The workers still used surgical mask. Surgical mask is made to protect the surroundings, like patient from medical practitioners (nurse, dr). This kind of mask will protect the surroundings, but WILL NOT protect the users (workers).

Particle Counter Result

Particle (Qty/m3) No Area Description 0.3-0.5 0.5-1 1-3 3-5 5-10 >10

1 Raw Hide Leather Storage 366,502,496.0 50,348,020.0 2,385,508.0 176,704.0 89,765.0 12,722.0

2 Chemical Warehouse

Chemical Storage 259,978,032.0 29,710,564.0 1,540,281.0 122,065.0 55,740.0 1,311.0

3 Wet Blue Warehouse Finish Material 219,122,480.0 22,837,092.0 1,315,647.0 131,564.0 50,928.0 15,561.0

4 Pedici Inspection 218,373,584.0 23,939,444.0 1,627,397.0 210,737.0 100,082.0 23,963.0 5 Measurement 215,907,968.0 21,973,372.0 1,470,248.0 200,168.0 101,493.0 23,963.0 6 Packing 227,676,544.0 23,618,710.0 1,670,758.0 223,144.0 91,799.0 27,539.0

7 Beam House Soaking-Liming 260,789,120.0 26,869,038.0 1,593,937.0 209,561.0 106,544.0 30,340.0

8 Tanning 269,451,552.0 27,652,378.0 2,188,144.0 426,454.0 309,056.0 106,790.0 9 RnD Retaining 281,824,544.0 31,541,268.0 2,103,877.0 240,724.0 101,357.0 19,004.0

10 Auto Pumping to Retaining 307,105,856.0 34,763,288.0 2,505,859.0 236,925.0 86,090.0 14,941.0

11 Retaining 279,514,496.0 28,131,424.0 1,745,442.0 200,765.0 95,738.0 36,437.0 12 Fleshing 350,887,680.0 96,326,800.0 32,741,124.0 2,855,950.0 813,430.0 143,799.0 13 Trimming 353,019,072.0 56,661,740.0 10,436,490.0 1,046,708.0 385,667.0 72,579.0 14 Crusting Area Sammying 340,832,768.0 44,610,660.0 6,609,565.0 610,550.0 219,372.0 34,787.0 15 Selector 304,646,272.0 34,565,348.0 4,162,699.0 512,332.0 185,008.0 43,405.0 16 Shaving 312,255,360.0 33,252,606.0 3,484,533.0 396,405.0 149,184.0 26,995.0 17 Spilting 326,598,304.0 33,291,542.0 3,133,108.0 290,364.0 81,832.0 13,520.0 18 Setting out 288,251,040.0 31,628,350.0 3,111,312.0 277,922.0 103,330.0 18,528.0 19 Wet Strecher 243,783,072.0 27,209,788.0 3,285,094.0 285,691.0 85,493.0 17,811.0 20 Dry Vacuum 163,929,072.0 19,866,836.0 2,592,684.0 149,796.0 43,306.0 9,939.0 21 Condition 302,762,560.0 31,582,802.0 3,588,379.0 541,668.0 132,251.0 20,400.0

22 Hang Dry 263,591,632.0 25,649,884.0 3,085,340.0 240,205.0 54,240.0 17,610.0 23 Staking 248,139,904.0 33,778,744.0 5,735,516.0 293,513.0 53,622.0 11,994.0 24 Toggle 244,703,760.0 32,244,492.0 5,721,669.0 281,673.0 79,665.0 22,761.0 25 Buffing 240,797,168.0 29,353,644.0 4,589,796.0 309,352.0 87,472.0 33,424.0 26 245,458,880.0 36,186,520.0 8,344,489.0 556,464.0 177,211.0 45,185.0 27 Finishing Area Milling 255,366,240.0 46,916,248.0 10,041,671.0 494,629.0 122,950.0 28,264.0 28 Polishing 311,037,472.0 84,210,376.0 23,428,230.0 955,467.0 124,967.0 12,139.0 29 Spray 240,040,832.0 37,702,808.0 6,920,532.0 305,317.0 68,322.0 19,215.0 30 285,605,728.0 64,500,140.0 18,440,610.0 903,340.0 158,580.0 31,857.0 31

Roto press 271,880,928.0 61,682,080.0 19,439,084.0 1,016,811.0 156,487.0 21,242.0

32 Plate/ Emboss 270,773,440.0 61,314,696.0 14,224,377.0 501,013.0 76,969.0 4,988.0 33 Colour Kitchen 332,672,640.0 159,251,616.0 42,688,964.0 1,047,205.0 140,722.0 17,858.0 34 QC Colour 290,564,000.0 71,432,392.0 21,742,096.0 1,006,955.0 133,641.0 21,439.0

35 Buffer Retaining WH 220,510,336.0 25,678,394.0 2,291,033.0 168,280.0 68,452.0 15,687.0

36 Flesh To Fuel Flesh to Fuel 263,780,128.0 31,501,172.0 4,279,049.0 240,364.0 84,375.0 23,398.0 37 WWTP WWTP 264,096,912.0 24,642,944.0 1,895,038.0 132,228.0 53,739.0 14,849.0

*Particle size in µm

Noise Level Meter Result

Noise (dB) No Area Description Min Max Avr 1 Raw Hide Leather Storage 57.0 68.7 61.4

2 Chemical Warehouse Chemical Storage 44.1 71.3 61.1

3 Wet Blue Warehouse Finish Material 49.9 81.7 68.4

4 Pedici Inspection 60.3 88.4 70.3 5 Measurement 64.6 76.4 68.0 6 Packing 56.9 83.1 67.7 7 Beam House Soaking-Liming 72.5 75.8 74.3 8 Tanning 72.5 81.7 75.2 9 RnD Retaining 74.6 83.5 77.8

10 Auto Pumping to Retaining 72.5 82.5 80.3

11 Retaining 77.8 83.2 74.2 12 Fleshing 74.1 93.8 84.6 13 Trimming 73.0 97.0 83.5 14 Crusting Area Sammying 73.4 92.5 79.3 15 Selector 80.3 99.7 83.1 16 Shaving 77.6 84.2 79.3 17 Spilting 77.8 92.8 83.8 18 Setting out 76.9 100.7 87.4 19 Wet Strecher 86.1 90.5 87.9 20 Dry Vacuum 76.3 88.5 79.4 21 Condition 76.6 81.9 78.0 22 Hang Dry 78.7 82.5 80.4 23 Staking 87.1 93.2 90.3 24 Toggle 79.1 90.9 82.1

25 Buffing 84.8 87.4 85.7 26 84.3 87.0 85.3 27 Finishing Area Milling 74.7 82.9 76.5 28 Polishing 72.6 77.0 74.3 29 Spray 76.0 83.3 77.7

30 Roto press 75.9 80.0 76.8

31 75.8 92.3 79.7 32 Plate/ Emboss 75.5 78.1 76.5 33 Colour Kitchen 73.7 83.3 76.6 34 QC Colour 70.3 74.8 71.6 35 Buffer Retaining WH 70.1 78.9 72.0 36 Flesh To Fuel Flesh to Fuel 67.7 79.0 71.8 37 WWTP WWTP 68.5 72.9 69.8

International Standard Monitoring noise on environment and Hearing Conservation Requirements If the TWA (Time Weighted Average) noise level is exceeding 85 dB(A), a hearing conservation program is required. Select hearing protection devices appropriate for the environment or environments at hand. Several different types of hearing protectors are required to be offered to the employees, in order to introduce a level of personal choice. The employer is responsible to pay for the original equipment as well as replacements. The employees are required to use the hearing protection, and the employer is responsible for the enforcement. Training and educating employees especially in the proper of use hearing protection is important. Education and training is considered an essential and ongoing activity.

Survey Results: Field survey activity included plant tour to finding out appropriate respiratory protection possibly needed in the working environments. The result is tabulated below and recommendation from 3M on respiratory and hearing protection as follow :

Hazard 3M PPE Recomendaion No Area Noise (dB)

Other Recommended PPE

Respiratory Hearing Other (if needed)

1 Raw Hide/

Leather Storage

-

- Dust

• Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog Clear Lens for minimum protection

• Respirator with OV/AG* Cartridge (Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).

• Protective Gloves • Safety Shoes

3M 3200 + (3700+3744) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort

- 3M Virtua Sport - Leather/ Rubber Glove - Safety Shoes

2 Chemical Storage

-

- Vapor - Chemical Leaking

• Chemical Splash Goggle with

Anti Fog Clear Lens • Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog

Clear Lens for minimum protection

• Respirator with OV/AG* Cartridge (Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).

3M 3200 + ( 3311/3301+774+7711)

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M SRP Chem - Nitrile Glove - Safety Shoes


3 Wet Blue WH -

- Dust

• Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog


• Respirator for particulate such as fume, dust and mist with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).


- 3M 8210 N95 or 3M 9004 P1

- 3M Virtua Sport - Cotton Glove -Safety Shoes

4 Pedici (Inspection) -

Fine Dust • Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog Clear Lens for minimum protection



- 3M 8210 N95 or 3M 9004 P1

- 3M Vitua Sport - Cotton Glove - Safety Shoes

5 Pedici

(Measurement)

-

Fine Dust • Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog Clear Lens for minimum protection



- 3M 8210 N95 or 3M 9004 P1


6 Pedici (Packing) -

Fine Dust

• Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog


- 3M 8210 N95 or 3M 9004 P1




7 Soaking-Liming -

- Dust, - Vapor - Flamable (Formid Acid)

• Respirator with OV Cartridge

(Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).

• Chemical Goggle with Anti Fog Clear Lens


• Rubber Boot • Coverall Clothes • Protective Glove

-3M 3200 + (3700+3744) or 3M 8247 R95*

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M SRP Chem - Nitrile Glove - Rubber Safety Boot -PVC Apron

8 Tanning

- Dust (Kaolin, OEL 2 mg/m3, Chromium III 0.5mg/m3) - OV Exposure (Formid Acid, OEL 5 ppm) - Flamable (Formid Acid) * Occupational Exposure Limit

• Respirator with OV Cartridge (Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).




-3M 3200 + (3700+3744) or 3M 8247 R95*

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M SRP Chem - Nitrile Glove - Rubber Safety Boot - PVC Apron

9 R n D

Retaining -

- Vapor, - Chemical Splash - Ammonia (OEL* 25ppm) - Formadehyde (OEL 0.3 ppm) * Occupational Exposure Limit

• Respirator with OV/AG*

Cartridge (Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).




*OV/AG = Organic Vapor/ Acid Gas

- 7500 series + 6004 (amonia)/ 6005 (formaldehyde)

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - 3M 3720 Monitor - 3M SRP Chem - Nitrile Glove - Rubber Safety Boot - PVC Apron

10 Auto

Pumping to Retaining

-

- Vapor, - OV/ AG (Methanol, Sodium Acid, Formic Acid)

• Respirator with OV Cartridge (Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).



• Rubber Boot • Protective Glove

- 3M 3200 + ( 3303+774+7711)

- 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M SRP Chemical - 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - Rubber Boot - Nitrile Glove - SA-2000LP (for handle Methanol)

11 Retaining -

- Vapor, - OV/ AG (Methanol, Sodium Acid, Formic Acid)


(Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95%

- 3M 3200 + ( 3303+774+7711)

- 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M SRP Chemical

efficiency (NIOSH N95). • Chemical Goggle with Anti Fog

Clear Lens • Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog



- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - Rubber Boot - Nitrile Glove - SA-2000LP (for handle Methanol)

12 Fleshing Max: 93.8

- Vapor





• Rubber Boot • Work Apparel • Protective Glove

3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort

- 3M- AO Ultrafit or 3M 1270

- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - Rubber Safety Boot - Nitrile Glove

13 Trimming Max: 97

- Vapor



• Goggle with Anti Fog Clear Lens

• Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog Clear Lens for minimum

3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95*


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport

protection • Rubber Boot • Work Apparel • Protective Glove

* comfort - Rubber Safety Boot - Nitrile Glove

14 Sammying Max: 92.9

- Vapor






3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport - Rubber Safety Boot - Nitrile Glove

15 Selector Max: 99.7






3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M 2790 or 332AF Impact Goggle - 3M Virtua Sport - Rubber Safety Boot - Nitrile Glove

16 Shaving - Dust

• Respirator for particulate dust

- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004

- 3M Vitua Sport

- Cutting Knife and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).


• Safety Shoes • Protective Glove

P1 or 9105 Vflex N95 - Cut Resistant / Kevlar Glove - Safety Shoes

17 Spliting Max: 92.8

- Vapor - Dust


and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).



- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M Virtua Sport - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

18 Setting out 87.4

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M Virtua Sport - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

19 Wet Strecher 87.9

- Dust - Heat Exposure




- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M Virtua Sport - Safety Shoes - Cotton/


Rubber Glove

20 Dry Vacuum -

- Dust - Heat Exposure





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95

- 3M Virtua Sport - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

21 Condition -

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


22 Hang Dry -

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


23 Staking 90.3 - Dust

- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004

- 3M- AO Ultrafit

- 3M Virtua

• Respirator for particulate dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).



P1 or 9105 Vflex N95 or 3M 1270 or Earmuff H9A Optime 98

Sport - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

24 Toggle Max: 90.9

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95

- 3M- AO Ultrafit or 3M 1270 or Earmuff H9A Optime 98


25 Buffing 1 85.7

- Dust





- 3200 + 3700 + 3744 or 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95



26 Buffing 2 85.3

- Dust



• Safety Eyewear with Anti Fog Clear Lens for minimum




protection • Safety Shoes • Protective Glove

27 Milling -

- Dust





3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


28 Polishing -

- Dust







29 Spray -

- Dust - Vapor (Spray Chem)





3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX - 3M Virtua Sport - Rubber Safety Boot - Nitrile Glove


30 Roto press 1 (off) -

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95

- 3M 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

31 Roto Press 2 (setting bar)

Max: 92.3

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95


- 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator - 3M 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

32 Plate/ Emboss -

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95

- 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

33 Colour Kitchen -

- Dust - Vapor





3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort


34 QC Colour -

- Dust





- 3M 8210 N95 or 9004 P1 or 9105 Vflex N95

- 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Safety Shoes - Cotton/ Rubber Glove

35 Buffer

Retaining WH

-

- Dust - Vapor






- 3M 3200 + ( 3303+774+7711)

- 3M 3500/3510 Monitor - 3M SRP Chemical - 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Rubber Safety Boot - Nitrile Glove - SA-2000LP

(for handle Methanol)

36 Flesh to Fuel -

- Vapor






3M 3200 + (3311/ 3301 + 7711+ 774) or 3M 8247 R95* * comfort

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Safety Shoes - Nitrile Glove

37 WWTP -

- Vapor - Minimum Oksigen (at tank)

• Respirator with OV/AG

Cartridge (Nuisance level) with particulates pre-filter such as dust and mists with 95% efficiency (NIOSH N95).




- 7500 series + 6006 (multi gas)+ 501+ 5P71 P95

- 3M 2790A or AO 484 BDX Splash Google - 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens - Gas Detector (O2) - Nitrile Glove - Rubber Safety Boot

Respiratory

3M 8247 R95 3M 3200 3M 3303K-55 3700 + 3744 3M 7500 series 3M 60-04/05/06

3M 3311K-55 3M 7711+774 3M- Vflek 9105 3M 8210 N95 3M 9004 P1 Hearing Protection

3M-A0 Ultrafit 3M- 1270 3M- H9A Optime 98 NI-100 Noise Indicator

Others

3721 Formaldehyde Monitor 3M Sorbent SRP- Chemical 484BDX- Splash Goggle 3M 2790/2790A Goggle 3M Virtua Sport Clear Lens

This report is intended ONLY for a guideline in selecting proper personal protective equipment to fit your company’s requirements. Should there be any further questions, please contact OH&ES Division Representative of PT. 3M Indonesia. Sincerely,

TÄuxÜà [tÜ| `âÜà|TÄuxÜà [tÜ| `âÜà|TÄuxÜà [tÜ| `âÜà|TÄuxÜà [tÜ| `âÜà| Hari Murti, Albert Acc. Representative Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division -PT. 3M Indonesia Central Java & East java Area

APPENDIX . Frequently Asked Questions: Indoor Air Quality & Ultra-Fine Particles Why Indoor Air Quality? Over the past several years, indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a much debated and publicized topic, especially as it concerns public health. The EPA estimates that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, and further studies indicate that indoor air in some commercial settings is up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Airborne particulates come in a variety of forms ranging from animal dander, plant pollen, and airborne bacteria, to fiberglass, asbestos, and combustion particles. Motionless, human beings alone shed up to 500,000 particles (V 0.3µm) per minute. When active, this level can reach up to 45,000,000 particles per minute. Humidity and temperature play a significant role in the generation rate of these pollutants. To properly identify and troubleshoot IAQ problems, the technician needs a tool that not only reads particle concentrations, but also provides insight into the environment that causes pollutants to grow. Why Particle Counts Matter? Different locations have varying levels of acceptable particulate concentrations, driven primarily by health and comfort concerns (i.e. homes, offices, paint booths) or contamination (i.e. hospitals, food and beverage plants, clean rooms). Excessive levels can result in medical conditions such as Sick Building Syndrome, lower productivity, contaminated product, or all of the above. Maintaining acceptable air quality levels may not only lower the costs associated with downtime, but also reduce or remove costs associated with expensive fixes in the future. The first step in establishing an IAQ maintenance program is to determine if a problem currently exists. IAQ Investigation An IAQ investigation is the first step in an ongoing maintenance program or in responding to complaints potentially associated with air quality. In either case, the methodology is similar: 1. Conduct a survey of credible staff at the facility. Who has filed complaints, and what are the symptoms? Are those who complained centrally located, or dispersed throughout the facility? The purpose is to gauge the level of toxicity as evidenced by allergic reactions or irritation. 2. Research the building’s history. When was the building built and/or remodeled? Have there been any instances of excessive damage, and how were the repairs carried out? What are the maintenance practices within the facility? For example, roof or plumbing leaks may have been repaired, but the underlying water damage may not have been addressed.

3. Perform a physical inspection. Technicians need to be aware of their test environments by considering harmful particulate sources. Within a given location, areas containing exhaust vents, furnaces, cleaning supplies, as well as areas with fresh paint and/or carpeting must be accounted for, especially if present within a complaint area. Are there any odors or visible sources (i.e. mold)? 4. Take air quality measurements. When conducting a complete IAQ investigation, temperature, humidity, CO and CO2 readings should also be taken to identify problems related to inadequate and/or contaminated ventilation, potentially creating a particulate problem. For example, temperature and humidity readings play a key role in identifying mold and bacteria. A location with high relative humidity and higher concentrations of particles 3.0 µm or larger may indicate the presence of mold spores, which should be remediated once identified. The most efficient procedure for assessing indoor air quality is to obtain several outdoor air readings as baselines, noting where the readings are taken in relation to the facility. At least one of the readings should be from near the building’s fresh air intake vent. Note, however, the location of the intake vent to ensure baseline readings are not skewed by pollutant sources, for example, locations near a loading dock. An indoor air particulate “target” is then calculated by modifying the baseline readings by the efficiency of indoor filtering. Particles tend to diffuse very quickly into the surrounding air, making source identification a challenging task. One method is to take multiple indoor readings, starting with the complaint area first, then moving outwards. As data is collected, take note of any unusual increases in particulate quantity and size. Using the particulate counter integrated temperature and humidity sensors, gauge the readings against the accepted parameters (see ASHRAE Standards 55 and 62) for temperature and relative humidity. Compare the particle readings against the outdoor baseline to get a feel for the relative severity of the particulate concentration, and identify hotspots and pathways that may lead to the particulate source. Continue to follow the path of higher concentrations until the source is identified. Once the source is remediated, the area is reassessed to ensure the corrective action addressed the problem. What are airborne ultra-fine and nano particles? Although we can’t see them, the air we breathe is full of microscopic particles. These particles are health hazardous and are thus considered a specific type of air pollution. Often this type of air pollution is called fine dust. The size of these particles is in the order of several nanometers to several micrometers. Currently regulation focuses primarily on the measurement and reduction of fine particles. Fine particles are often identified by Particle Matter (PM) ratings. PM10 rating as an example represents the weight of particles that have a diameter smaller than 10 micrometer.

However, a very large fraction of particles in urban air (>90%) has minute particles of around 100 nanometers (nm) and smaller. These we call ultra-fine particles or nano-particles. The picture above clearly demonstrates the difference is dimensions of fine and ultra-fine particles. Ultra-fine particles range below the currently monitored levels. In other words, there is an important actually invisible factor in the air around people. Airborne particles originate from many natural and man-made sources (e.g. sand dust, fires, diesel smoke, sea salt). The scheme below shows a number of particle types from well-known sources. Ultra-fine particles are normally only generated at very high temperatures, such as combustion processes. One can think of wood fires, industry, engines, cooking fumes, or cigarette smoke. Toner (carbon black) from copiers, laser printers and welding-fumes or nano-materials are important sources as well.

The most important source of ultra-fine particles in urban air however is car traffic. Especially diesel exhaust consists of large amounts of ultra-fine particles. Such particles are generally formed by a basically insoluble core of carbon of 10-20 nm, often covered with chemicals like sulphates, metals and hydrocarbons. These extremely small particles tend to conglomerate in the air into particles of around 100 nm.

Nano particles

A special class of ultra-fine particles is those intentionally made by the nano-material industry. Due to their ultra small size, such nano-materials have very special properties. They are used in medical, industrial and consumer applications. For example, carbon nano tubes are used to produce very light, but strong tennis rackets. If these materials consist of particles with a size under 100 nanometer, we speak about engineered nano particles. The emerging nano-material industry is expected to grow explosively in the next decades and millions of people are expected to find work in this industry in future. Similar to ultra-fine particles in general, engineerde nano particles released in the nano-industry environment may be a potential source of hazard to the health of its working population. What are health effects of ultra-fine and nano particles?

In recent years, scientists have investigated the health effects of airborne particles and of ultra-fine particles in particular. They are finding convincing results indicating that airborne particles damage our health. These results are well described in literature, for example in the WHO Air Quality Guidelines In short, statistical evidence has been found that acute negative health effects related with increased levels of airborne particles include: • Increased use of asthma medication

• Asthma attacks in patients having asthma • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) attacks • Hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases • Deaths from heart attacks, strokes and respiratory problems Beside these acute health effects on people with high susceptibility towards particles, scientists also expect a long term effect on normal people: life expectancy decreases significantly as a result of high particle concentrations. Furthermore, a study describing the relation between the development of the lungs of children and the distance between their homes and a busy road may support this statement.1

Ultra-fine particles (in the range around one hundred nanometer) seem to play a special role and are potentially more health hazardous than coarse particles. For this reason it is still subject of ongoing scientific research. Some possible explanations have been suggested. One is that, due to their aerodynamic properties, ultra fine particles penetrate and deposit deeper in the lungs than coarser particles. About 50% of the particles around 20 nm deposits deep in the lungs as is shown in the graph below. Larger particles are caught in the nose and throat.

Another explanation is that the concentration of ultra fine particles is generally much higher than the concentration of coarser particles. The lungs cannot deal with the high amounts of particles that deposit in the lung sacs, which lead to inflammation. Related to this is the relatively high total surface area of ultra fine particles. The surface area of a given number or volume of particles is much higher for ultra-fine particles than for courser particles (see

Concentrations). Scientists assume surface area is related to free radical activity and oxidative stress in the lungs. Oxidative stress is known to have inflammatory effects. A fourth possible explanation is that the size of the particles is much smaller than the human cellular structures. They can enter the human body and end up in the blood stream causing heart and brain diseases. Yet another aspect in the harmful effect of airborne particles is that (ultra-fine) particles like diesel exhaust are often covered with toxic chemicals like polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbons, which are known carcinogenic. 1 Effect of exposure to traffic on lung development from 10 to 18 years of age: a cohort study, Gauderman, www.thelancet.com. Publishedonline January 26, 2007.

Which ultra-fine particle concentrations can we expect?

There is no standardization on ultra-fine particles at the moment. However, scientific discussions are ongoing on the formation of a standard. Nevertheless, it is possible to give some reference concentrations (Ultra-fine particles are measured in concentrations particles/cm3)

1. Clean air in the alps < 1.000 2. Clean office air 2.000 – 4.000 3. Outside Air in urban area 10.000 – 20.000 4. Polluted outside air (smog) > 50.000 5. Cigarette smoke > 50.000 6. Workplaces (like welding) 100.000 – 1.000.000

Note: it is expected that there is no threshold concentration below which there is no negative health effect. Air should be as clean as practically possible. The threshold concentration at which people feel immediate impact is around 50.000 particles/cm3. Asthmatic people immediately feel the effect of smog. Surface area, particle number, and size Traditionally, the concentration of airborne particles is often measured as a mass concentration. Other measurement units such as number concentration or surface area concentration (total surface area of all particles in a volume of air) have a much more significant relation to the health effects.

The table below shows the number and surface area concentration of a cloud of particles with a total airborne mass concentration of 10 Zg/m3 when it contains particles of different diameters and clearly shows the remarkable effect of the particle diameter. The number of particles in a certain volume of air increases dramatically along with the surface area per unit volume of air, as the particle size decreases into the region of ultra-fine particles.

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