Abstract

Assessment of worker exposure to chemicals requires the use of personal sampling pumps. With the constant changes in technology, there is a clear need for information on the operation and price-performance characteristics of new types of pumps. The only such information available was provided by manufacturers and was primarily concerned with the pumps' mechanical features. No comparative studies were available. To remedy this situation, the major Québec distributors of sampling pumps were contacted and 12 models selected for evaluation. This project was conducted primarily in the laboratory and examined the pump’s overall design, operation and compatibility with various flowmeters and manufacturers’ specifications. This study resulted in the formulation of purchase recommendations and specifications for the CSST (Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec, Québec Occupational Health and Safety Commission) network and other occupational health and safety specialists.