Abstract
A personal environmental sampling backpack (PESB) was constructed to assess acute worker exposure in poultry and swine operations. The PESB is capable of recording, on a minute-by-minute basis over an 8-hour period, the following environmental parameters: temperature (–40 to 70°̊C, ±1°C), relative humidity (RH) (0-100% @ 25°C, ±2%), ammonia (NH3) (0-50 ppm, ±5% of reading), carbon dioxide (CO2) (0-5000 ppm, ±5% of reading), and dust (0.3, 0.5, 1 and 5 µm). These environmental conditions are measured via thermistor (temperature), capacitance (RH), electrochemical (NH3), non-dispersive infrared (CO2), and laser (dust). For endotoxin and gravimetric dust measurements, the PESB contains two constant airflow pumps, which can deliver airflow rates of 0.5 to 3.0 L/min. By sampling barn air within the breathing zone of the worker (a 0.3 m radius around the mouth) the PESB can monitor a worker's personal exposure over their entire work shift. The PESB has also been designed to minimize equipment cleaning between barns, required by stringent biosecurity protocols. Through the use of a watertight case and an anti-microbial exhaust filter for sampled air, only the carrying pack and external tubing needs to be subjected to thorough cleaning and disinfection to maintain biosecurity. The PESB weighs 8.42 kg (18.57 lbs) with dimensions of 388 mm (h) × 288 mm (w) × 173 mm (d) (15.28 in. × 11.34 in. × 6.81 in.).
Full article can be found in: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
Access this publication at: ASABE Technical Library
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