Work Practice Simulation and Exposure Modeling for VOCs in Industrial Insulation

OUR CHALLENGE

A client in the industrial sector needed to assess the potential occupational exposure risks associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from industrial insulation material. The challenge was to evaluate worst-case exposure scenarios to ensure worker safety, particularly under high-risk conditions such as elevated temperatures and limited ventilation. The goal was to compare exposure concentrations to occupational exposure limits (OELs) and provide guidance for safe product usage. 

OUR APPROACH

We implemented a two-pronged approach to address the client’s needs: 

• Work Practice Simulation Study: Designed and executed a simulation study that involved collecting personal breathing zone samples from workers handling the insulation material. Workers operated under standard trade practices, using the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and working in both standard and high-risk environmental conditions, including elevated temperatures and poor ventilation. 

• Exposure Modeling: Conducted a detailed analysis of hypothetical worst-case scenarios to model maximum theoretical concentrations of VOC emissions in the air and compared those to OELs to evaluate whether the insulation material posed any risk to worker safety. 

OUR IMPACT

The simulation study and exposure modeling demonstrated that, even under worst-case environmental conditions, there was no risk of worker exposure exceeding OELs when the recommended PPE was used. This provided the client with the confidence to assure workers and regulatory bodies that the product could be used safely in industrial applications, even under challenging conditions. The results also supported compliance with occupational safety standards, ensuring both product safety and worker health.