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What Quality Means in Industrial Hygiene
In the field of industrial hygiene (IH), quality isn’t just a checkbox on a manufacturing list—it’s the foundation of trust, accuracy, and safety. Industrial hygienists rely on their equipment to provide precise data that informs critical decisions impacting worker health. When tools fail, the repercussions can be costly, both in terms of time and potential harm.
Reflecting on my own experiences as an IH, I’ve seen firsthand how subpar equipment can derail even the most well-planned sampling efforts. Back when we used corded noise dosimeters, for instance, the microphones were constantly getting pulled out of the unit. Imagine a long, thin cord running from a hip-mounted dosimeter up to the lapel of the person wearing it. Despite our best efforts to neatly route and tuck the cord out of harm’s way, employees still managed to catch it, invalidating samples and wasting precious time.
Another frustrating scenario involved using cyclones for sampling during underground mine assessments. Larger debris would often clog the cyclones, halting sampling altogether. Worse yet, it only took a slight tilt of the cyclone—sideways or upside down—for particles from the grit pot to be drawn into the sampling media, effectively invalidating the sample. Add to that, pumps that would fail midway through sampling due to battery issues, inadequate back pressure support, or failing post-flow verification, and the challenges of relying on inconsistent tools become painfully clear.
These experiences underscore why quality and trust in IH equipment are non-negotiable. When we trust our tools, we can focus on protecting workers rather than worrying about whether our data is reliable.
The Stakes of Quality in Industrial Hygiene
For industrial hygienists, quality has a unique and essential meaning. In other industries, quality might signify durability, aesthetics, or performance. For us, it represents trust—the trust that our tools are providing accurate data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding workers' health. Equipment failure in our line of work isn’t just inconvenient; it can have serious consequences, from invalidated samples to delays in mitigating workplace hazards.
Consider the AirChek TOUCH sampling pump and the NoiseCHEK personal noise dosimeter. These tools are engineered with the end-user in mind, incorporating robust quality control measures to address common pitfalls. For example, advancements in wireless and cord-free designs have eliminated the headaches I faced with earlier noise dosimeters. Similarly, modern pumps now feature better pressure management and enhanced battery life, reducing the likelihood of mid-sample failures.
Why Quality Matters to IHs in the Field
The consequences of poor-quality equipment ripple beyond the immediate frustration of lost samples. Low-quality tools can:
- Invalidate Critical Data: Faulty equipment can produce inaccurate readings or fail during sampling, forcing industrial hygienists to redo work and delaying hazard mitigation.
- Erode Trust: Workers and management need to believe in the accuracy of industrial hygiene assessments. Equipment failure undermines this trust.
- Increase Costs: Re-sampling and replacing faulty tools can strain already-tight budgets.
As IHs, we’re tasked with making decisions based on the data we collect. Trustworthy equipment ensures we’re making informed choices that protect workers and meet regulatory requirements.
A Manufacturer’s Perspective: Beyond the Surface
At SKC Inc., quality control isn’t just a buzzword—it’s embedded in every stage of product development. From concept to production, each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet the demanding needs of industrial hygienists and other OEHS professionals in the field. Our expert scientists and highly trained production specialists work within ISO-controlled manufacturing procedures to ensure consistent and quality builds.
Take the AirChek® TOUCH, for example. This pump is built to withstand real-world conditions while delivering accurate and reliable results. Features like intuitive touchscreen controls and advanced flow control technology address the common frustrations industrial hygienists experience with traditional pumps. Similarly, the NoiseCHEK dosimeter offers wireless connectivity and robust design, for extreme ease of use and minimal risk of data loss or equipment failure.
Real-World Impacts of Quality
Quality products not only reduce the likelihood of failures but also enhance efficiency and confidence in the field. By investing in equipment with proven reliability, industrial hygienists can:
- Save Time: Reliable tools minimize downtime due to errors or malfunctions.
- Ensure Accuracy: High-quality equipment provides the precise data needed for compliance and worker protection.
- Build Trust: Consistently accurate results reinforce confidence among workers, management, and regulatory agencies.
Conclusion: Trust in Every Sample
Industrial hygiene is a profession built on trust—trust in the data, the tools, and the processes we use to protect workers. By prioritizing quality in our equipment choices, we ensure that this trust is well-placed.
As IHs, we can’t afford to compromise on quality. By understanding what goes into the tools we use and trusting the processes behind them, we can make optimal choices in our tools and focus on what matters most: protecting workers and ensuring safe, healthy environments.