ANALYTICAL TIMES DUST USP 797 MOISTURE FOOD KNOW. Combustible. Sampling. Meters. Simple & Easy. What you need to. Winter An In Depth Look at

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1 ANALYTICAL TIMES Winter 2009 L A B O R T O R Y P R O D U C T S T R A I N I N G Combustible DUST Hazards USP 797 What you need to KNOW Simple & Easy FOOD Sampling An In Depth Look at MOISTURE Meters

2 EMSL Analyzes Each Spore Trap Twice *! 300x And 600x *Linear Impaction Spore Trap Devices Only Quality you can Trust! NATIONWIDE LOCATIONS E M S L - T H E L A B F O R A L L R E A S O N S

3 USP What You need to Know SAS 100 The SAS Super 100 air sampler is the top choice of the world's leading food and pharmaceutical companies. Featuring a powerful 100 liter per minute flow, the Super 100 is the perfect choice for your demanding air sampling needs, whether it be in a hospital, clean room, or other place of research. Price: $5, USD Product Number: BUCK Bio-Culture Sampler The BUCK Bio-Culture pump, provides a selectable, continuous, constant sample flow rate and is simple to operate. No tools are required. Its quiet operation allows unobtrusive sampling in IAQ, medical, clean room, public and residential building applications. Price: $1, USD Product Number: EMSL Analytical Times 2009 EMSL Analytical, Inc Publisher Joseph Frasca Editor Paul Cochrane Art Director William Middleton Published & Distributed by EMSL Analytical, Inc Corporate Headquarters 107 Haddon Ave. Westmont, NJ East Coast: West Coast: Visit or info@emsl.com What is USP 797? ssued by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP), this regulation provides a standard for all I pharmacies that prepare compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). Most pharmacies must comply with this regulation. Additionally, many hospitals that operate pharmacies meeting the same criteria will be affected. How do I achieve USP 797 compliance? If compounding is conducted within your facility, a gap analysis should be performed in order to determine what your compliance action plan will be. In many cases, regular air as well as surface samples are necessary in order to analyze samples for any microbial contamination (i.e., fungal or bacterial presence whether viable or non-viable). What are the USP compliance standards? USP 797 Standards for Non-Viable particulates ISO Designation Clean Air Classification 0.5 µm particles/m ,000 3,520, , , ,000 35, ,520 USP 797 Standards for Viable Particulates ISO Designation Active Air Action Levels Microbial Settling Plates (cfu/m3) (diam. 90mm; cfu/4 hrs) What is the recommended monitoring frequency? According to the USP 797 protocols, a critical area must prove to meet ISO 5 classification at least once per six-month period. The frequency of determining the cleanliness class of supporting areas is also at least once per six months as recommended by USP and/or whenever renovations occur. For additional information please visit: What is the recommended sampling media? To sample for bacterial contamination, it is suggested that Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) or comparable media be utilized. To sample for fungal contamination, it is suggested that Malt Extract Agar (MEA) or comparable media be utilized. Why should you use EMSL Analytical, Inc. for your USP 797 Analysis? EMSL Analytical, Inc. has established a reputation for providing the highest quality analytical service in numerous industries and now we are ready to provide you with the same level of service that you ve come to expect from our laboratory. We are proud to announce that EMSL is ready to accept your USP 797 samples. EMSL Analytical Times 3

4 Combustible Dust Hazard Awareness S panning the globe across international borders there have been many recent combustible dust related explosions causing preventable fatalities, injuries, and adverse economic damage. Lately, attention on the issue of combustible dust hazards in the workplace has only been aroused through the media when a major catastrophic incident like this year s Imperial Sugar refinery dust explosion occurred Combustible Dust Related Fires Many national industries are on borrowed time without proper engineering and administrative controls before a rare incident of a combustible dust explosion occurs at their facility. Until then, an occasional combustible dust related fire, the precursor of a future dust explosion occurs with alarming regularity at manufacturing and non-manufacturing facilities throughout the nation. For example, over the past year the Combustible Dust Policy Institute has found through researching media accounts over 100 combustible dust related fires in the wood, paper, textile, food, plastic, rubber, utility, and metal sectors. After reviewing the Chemical Safety Board s Combustible Dust Hazard Study that was submitted to OSHA in 2007 stakeholders might mistakenly believe that dust explosions are the sole problem. In contrast, if all incidents of combustible dust related fires and explosions were thoroughly researched, trends would be begin to emerge, such as fires prior to the many explosions. Has your facility recently experienced a fire? Since the OSHA Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) directive was reissued in March 2008 thousands of facilities not listed as a national industry (NAICS) in the Dust NEP are under the false impression that a combustible dust hazard might not exist. This could be a path to disaster and you don t want to go down that road. For instance, this year over 50% of combustible dust incidents have occurred at facilities not referenced as having the potential for combustible dust explosions and fires in Appendix D-1 & D-2 of the OSHA NEP. Plastic & Rubber 11% Textile 7% Paper 12% Coal 4% Food 14% Chemical 2% Metal 17% Wood 33% 2008 Materials Currently there are over four hundred national industries in the nation s manufacturing sector, yet only sixty-eight (16%) are listed in the NEP. Don t become a statistic by solely relying on the Dust NEP directive, which was only meant to provide guidance in inspection and enforcement activities for OSHA Inspectors. If you manufacture, process, or handle any combustible particulate solids that generate combustible dust it s time to initiate a process hazard analysis that identifies and evaluates the risk. Currently most Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will not have the ignition sensitivity or explosion severity information available to properly evaluate the risk from combustible dust hazards. This vital fire/explosion information can be readily acquired through combustible dust laboratory testing, which will provide initial process safety information where sound decisions on engineering and administrative fire/explosion protection controls can be determined amongst plant management. West Pharmaceutical 2003 It s odd that petroleum refineries and chemical plants that manufacture, process, and handle highly hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids and gases are required by OSHA through the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR ) to conduct a process hazard analysis. Yet manufacturing facilities that have identical explosion risks in areas with explosive combustible dust atmospheres with low frequency, but high consequence incidents are not similarly addressed by OSHA. Ironically, any explosion will have similar damaging overpressure effects, deadly thermal radiation, and ensuing projectiles from an incident whether from a vapor cloud explosion at a petrochemical refinery or a combustible dust explosion at a manufacturing plant. Are you protected? John Astad, Director Combustible Dust Policy Institute Mission Statement The goal of Combustible Dust Policy Institute is to minimize the severity and reduce the occurrence of combustible dust related fires and explosions in the global workplace. Through ongoing exchange of best practices and lessons learned of combustible dust related incidents, which identifies and evaluates risk, the Institute shares risk assessment information that a diverse spectrum of members utilize in effectively controlling combustible dust hazards. Assisting stakeholders in this endeavor, health and safety compliance is effectively achieved in addition to reducing preventable workplace fatalities, injuries, and adverse economic impact. Combustible Dust Workshop for stakeholders at the Industrial Fire, Safety, And Security Conference (IFSS 2009) in Houston, Texas Feb Learn more at: 4 EMSL Analytical Times

5 Environmental Sampling for the Food Industry Free & Simple EMSL s Food & Consumer Products Division is Increasing Awareness of Regulatory Requirements and Emerging Markets for Environmental Consultants I n an effort to promote responsible and effective environmental monitoring for food manufacturing and processing facilities, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers food-specific sampling supplies free of charge to all customers. Food processing and manufacturing facilities, as well as environmental consultants and Industrial Hygienists, can take full advantage of this program. Environmental microbiology sampling in food facilities generally consists of taking surface samples using sterile sponges or swabs. The samples are then sent to EMSL for analysis. The samples can be analyzed for various organisms that may be of importance to that specific industry or product, such as: Coliform/E. coli, Listeria and L. monocytogenes, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. If overall levels of bacteria and fungi are of interest, generic counts can be achieved by selecting Aerobic Plate Count and Yeast & Mold Analysis. Sampling is easy. For surfaces that come into direct contact with food, a sterile swab containing 10 ml of liquid buffer is used to sample approximately 4 x 4 area of the surface. For surfaces that do not come into direct contact with food, but may contribute to contamination of the product; a sterile sponge system is used. The sponge, which is pre-wetted with 10 ml of liquid buffer, is contained in a sterile plastic bag, attached to the bag is a pair of sterile sampling gloves. From start to finish it is easy to sample aseptically. AirBoxx IAQ Monitor Instrument includes continuous monitoring of CO2, CO, Temperature and Relative Humidity and up to four additional channels. Built-in data logger with six month reporting capacity. True walk-thru mode capacity. High contrast alphanumeric display provides real time readout of all measurements simultaneously or other information. Includes easy to use Windows software, security lock and cable, A/C adapter, USB and serial cable. 2-year warranty. List Price: $1, USD Product Number: Additional Sensors Available! The recommended sampling for non-food contact samples is a 10 x 10 area. The FDA and USDA require certain facilities to sample regularly. There is also a large section of the industry that while not mandated by the Federal Government yet, are taking a pro-active approach by sampling their food and surfaces as a part of a responsible sanitation and quality program. This not only puts the companies minds at ease, it put s their customer s and ultimately the consumers mind at ease as well. Responsible environmental monitoring can help to identify potential problems before a product hits the marketplace. Industrial Hygienists and Environmental Consultants are also getting involved. Small to mid-size and even large global companies are outsourcing to third party consultants to handle their environmental sampling. This can save them money in the long run and also adds an independent, non-biased element to the testing program. To learn more about environmental sampling in food environments, free food sampling supplies, and food testing services, please visit or call EMSL - The Leader in Asbestos Analysis - Since 1981 EMSL Analytical Times 5

6 Moisture Meters 101 Proper use of moisture meters in a water damage or mold remediation claim is the fundamental key to your success as a restorer. This article will give you basic knowledge on the differences between the types of meters on the market, how they work, and what information they provide. The guidelines outlined below will help ensure that you are making the most out of whichever model moisture meter you use. Which Meter Should I Use? It is well known that the two types of moisture meters on the market are Pin type meters and Pin-less meters. Pin Type meters operate on the principle of electrical resistance (conductivity). They require the operator to penetrate the material being tested. The electrical resistance of the material between the points of contact, which is influenced by the presence of moisture, is measured and displayed by the meter. Pin-less meters, on the other hand, use capacitance technology to detect moisture. The sensor pad, which makes surface contact with the material being tested, sends a radio frequency signal into the material. At first glance, a pin-less moisture meter is appealing because it does not make holes in the material. There are however, two important limitations to remember when using any pin-less moisture meter: 1. Penetration depth is limited ranges will be from about ¼ to ¾ maximum depth depending on the meter. 2. Surface moisture will affect your reading. The affect of surface moisture varies among the different pin-less meters available on the market, and it is important to have a basic understanding of these nuances when looking for a meter. A pin-less moisture meter is an excellent tool because you can use it to quickly scan the surface and determine if moisture is present. If moisture is detected, you must remember that the signal weakens as it moves further away from the sensor, limiting the meter s ability to locate the source of moisture. For example, if moisture is present in insulation behind sheetrock, a pin-less meter cannot detect it. This in mind, it often becomes necessary to use a pin-less meter for a quick, overall evaluation of the job site, and then use a pin type meter to locate hidden moisture. Pin type meters are capable of detecting precisely the source of moisture by penetrating through the surface at different depths. While some people are concerned about making holes in the material, this limited damage is a non-issue considering the excess damage that could occur if this moisture were left undetected. Pin type meters also have various accessories that can be attached to provide further information about moisture conditions in hidden areas. So, the question becomes, which meter should I use? Many industry professionals recommend using both types of meters for the best overall detection and evaluation of moisture conditions. Ideally, using a pin and pin-less meter together will give you the fastest and most accurate results. If you are currently not using a meter at all, the meter that will give the most information on hidden moisture would be a pin type meter. Accessorize Accordingly Here are some accessories that can be used with a pin type meter, making them even more useful for checking materials such as studs, insulation behind drywall, sub floors, behind baseboard molding and trim, in books or documents, and behind ceilings. The list goes on. Most of these attachments have insulated probes or blades with exposed tips, allowing the operator to penetrate at different depths, therefore picking up moisture only at the exposed tips. Slide Hammer - The contact pins on the slide hammer have insulated shanks so that only the tips are exposed. The pins make contact with the material at their uncoated tip and provide much more accurate readings of moisture content at various levels of penetration. This feature allows you to penetrate through flooring to a concrete or plywood sub floor. Deep Wall Probe - Features 4 insulated pins for use on insulation or any tests where deeper penetration is required. This probe is also an effective tool for checking synthetic stucco clad structures. Blade-type Electrode - Two 5'' long blades, bent to a 35 angle Teflon coated w/ exposed tips to check behind trim and baseboard molding. This type of electrode is also a great tool for checking moisture in books and documents. What does that number mean? Both pin type and pin-less meters are equipped with different scales that give the operator the flexibility to measure different materials. Keep in mind that depending on which scale you use, the meter readings will provide different information, not all of which will be displayed in %MC. Most of the meters on the market feature a wood scale and a reference scale. Delmhorst Instrument Co. is the only manufacturer to offer meters with a calibrated drywall scale. Since the technologies used in a pin type meter and a pin-less meter are completely different, it is important that you do not try to make direct comparisons between the readings. It is also important to recognize that there are not direct correlations among the various scales from manufacturer to manufacturer. Below is an interpretation of the different scales and readings. Wood Most moisture meters have a scale that is calibrated on wood, covering a range between 6% and 40% moisture content, depending on make and model. When measuring 6 EMSL Analytical Times

7 wood products such as flooring, framing material, sheathing and furniture, use the wood scale and take the reading as %MC. Because the electrical characteristics of different species vary, some species may read differently at the same moisture content. All Delmhorst models come with a wood species correction chart or include built-in species corrections. With the built-in corrections, the operator can change the meter setting to a particular species to obtain a corrected reading. However, in most cases, the reading can be taken at face value on construction grade lumber. Concrete and Other Building Materials The reference scale reads from (or depending on make and model) and is used when testing any building material such as plaster, concrete, brick, insulation, etc. Readings on the reference scale are to be taken as a qualitative indication of the moisture level. Readings in the low end of the scale indicate a drier condition; readings in the upper end of the scale indicate a higher moisture level in the material. When using the reference scale, tests should be made on material samples that are known to be dry. These readings can be used as benchmarks or baseline readings against which all other readings are compared. Although the reference scale does not provide percent moisture content, they are still very useful to evaluate moisture conditions. Drywall Delmhorst Instrument Co. offers several models that include a specific scale to check the moisture content of drywall. This scale is in addition to the wood and reference scales mentioned above. This feature is valuable because it is calibrated for drywall, and provides a reading in percent moisture content, offering more specific information about moisture conditions and the likelihood of mold development in drywall. Since drywall is an excellent source for mold to flourish, having a quantitative measurement of the %MC allows you to make more informed decisions regarding remediation. Moisture meters key tools in monitoring the drying process For many years, large restoration companies have used moisture meters as an integral part of the drying process. In a water damage or disaster situation, it is important to dry out the structure properly and completely. Years of drying experience and the latest equipment will be null and void if meters are not used to verify that the structure is dry. Mold and mildew can form; structural damage will occur, and a simple water damage can easily turn into an inconvenient, costly disaster. This article has emphasized the importance of moisture meters and has compared the pros and cons to both types of technologies. Now, it s time to put that knowledge to good use: 1. Arrive at the job site with a meter to perform an overall evaluation of the damage. This evaluation will enable you to properly utilize your equipment for fast, complete drying. 2. Make moisture measurements every day during the drying cycle to determine if the equipment is doing its job. Adjustments can be made along the way based on data obtained from meter readings. 3. Verify the structure is dry by making final moisture checks before pulling any equipment. This last and important step allows you to sign off with confidence that the job was done right. What about Temperature and RH? Another factor to consider during the drying process is temperature and relative humidity (RH). While the actual moisture level of building materials is important, understanding and adjusting for the environmental conditions of the building envelope plays as important a role in the effectiveness of drying equipment. This in mind, measure the temperature and RH in conjunction with moisture so that ultimately, you can achieve a lower GPP (grains per pound). This will allow for dryer air, enabling the air movers and dehumidifiers to perform at optimal efficiency. Delmhorst Instrument Co. offers several thermo-hygrometers, each of which provide dew point temperature and GPP, eliminating the need for a psychometric chart. What s next in Moisture Meters? Manufacturers of moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers are constantly looking for ways to improve products that provide information which the specialist needs to make good drying decisions. This information is ultimately brought to the customer, instilling confidence that their home or work place is a healthy, safe environment. Models like the Navigator Pro from Delmhorst are the most advanced offerings for the restorer. Navigator Pro is specifically designed around a restoration job in that it allows the operator to set up multiple jobs, activate affected rooms in the structure, and designate water damaged materials for floor, ceiling and wall. Whichever make or model you choose, it is crucial to use a moisture meter in every single water damage job. Without it, there is no way to determine if the structure has been sufficiently dried to pre-loss conditions. Author: Paul Laurenzi is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Delmhorst Instrument Co. For nearly 60 years, Delmhorst Instrument Co. has been the leading manufacture of high-quality moisture meters. Initially, Delmhorst sold one model to building superintendents in New York City to help them identify leaks in roofs and plaster walls. Today, the company serves more industries than all of its competitors combined, and is recognized as the market leader in each of those industries. EMSL Analytical Times 7

8 FREE MARKETING MATERIALS Available online: EMSL - The Lab for All Reasons... Products & Services, Whatever you need! or East Coast or West Coast or NATIONWIDE LOCATIONS Visit info@emsl.com EMSL Analytical Times - A Publication by EMSL Analytical, Inc. PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #28 BELLMAWR NJ 107 Haddon Ave., Westmont, NJ 08108