Objective To introduce a method assisting occupational exposure data processing and decision making using EASC-IHSTAT software.
Methods EASC-IHSTAT software was used to estimate data distribution and percentage of samples exceeding occupational exposure limits (OELs) for a group of time-weighted welding fume concentrations data collected in a workshop. Applying the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's boundary values of 5%, a qualitative judgment on compliance to the national standards of welding fumes would be made for the selected workplace.
Results All concentrations of welding fumes sampled in the workplace were below OELs, but 10.6% of the samples were above OELs according to EASC-IHSTAT software.
Conclusion In regard of determining qualification of occupational exposures in compliance with relevant national standards, the protocol adopted by EASC-IHSTAT software is more rigorous than the current method in China.
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