Industrial Hygiene Sampling Plan Audit

Audit industrial hygiene sampling plans for hazard identification, sampling methods, calibration, documentation, and distribution of results.

Plan Scope and Hazard Identification

• Sampling scope identifies the facility, department, task, or process being evaluated
  The plan should clearly state where sampling will occur and which operations, tasks, or work groups are included.
• Target hazards and exposure agents are listed
  Confirm the plan identifies the specific chemical, physical, or biological agents of concern, such as dusts, vapors, fumes, noise, heat, or aerosols.
• Exposure rationale is documented using a recognized basis
  The plan should explain why sampling is needed, such as complaints, process changes, prior results, symptoms, or potential overexposure.
• Applicable exposure limits or action levels are identified
  Check that the plan references the correct occupational exposure criteria used for comparison, such as OSHA PELs, action levels, or other program limits where applicable.
• Employee groups and similar exposure groups are defined
  The plan should identify who will be sampled and whether workers are grouped by similar exposure profile, task, or shift.

Sampling Strategy and Methods

• Sampling method is appropriate for the hazard and exposure route
  Verify the plan uses the correct method type for the agent, such as personal breathing zone sampling, area sampling, grab sampling, or direct-reading instrumentation.
• Sampling duration and timing capture representative exposure
  Confirm the plan specifies whether full-shift, task-based, short-term, or peak sampling is needed and that timing reflects the exposure scenario.
• Number of samples is sufficient for the exposure assessment objective
  The plan should justify the number of samples, including blanks, duplicates, or repeated measures where needed.
• Sampling media and analytical method are identified
  The plan should specify the collection media, laboratory method, and any method limitations relevant to the target agent.
• Field blanks, duplicates, or quality control samples are included when required
  Confirm quality control samples are planned where needed to support data validity and contamination control.

Calibration and Equipment Control

• Pre-use calibration or zero check is documented
  Confirm the plan requires pre-sampling calibration, bump check, or zero verification as applicable to the instrument type.
• Post-sampling calibration or drift check is documented
  The plan should require post-use verification to confirm instrument stability and identify drift during sampling.
• Calibration equipment and standards are traceable and within current certification
  Check that calibration devices, standards, or reference materials are current and traceable to the appropriate standard or manufacturer requirement.
• Sampling pumps, meters, and media are identified by unique ID
  The plan should include equipment identification or asset numbers to support traceability in records and field logs.

Documentation and Chain of Custody

• Field log captures date, time, location, task, and sampler identity
  Verify the plan requires enough detail to reconstruct when and where each sample was collected and by whom.
• Chain-of-custody documentation is required for each sample batch
  Confirm samples are tracked from collection through shipment, receipt, analysis, and final reporting.
• Sample handling, storage, and shipping requirements are defined
  The plan should specify preservation, temperature control, holding time, packaging, and shipment requirements as applicable.
• Deviations, field issues, or invalid samples are documented
  Confirm the plan requires documentation of pump failures, damaged media, missed samples, unusual conditions, or other deviations affecting data quality.

Results Review and Distribution

• Results are compared against the correct exposure criteria
  The plan should require interpretation against the applicable limit, action level, or internal exposure criterion for each agent.
• Results are distributed to management, affected employees, and EHS as required
  Confirm the plan defines who receives the results and how quickly they are communicated after analysis.
• Follow-up actions are assigned when results exceed limits or indicate concern
  The plan should require corrective actions, re-sampling, controls evaluation, or medical referral where appropriate.