What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air from products like automotive paints, coatings, and solvents. During spray painting, these compounds can become airborne and be inhaled by workers.
Because VOC exposure can vary based on real working conditions (like spray booth airflow and work practices), OSHA requires employers to evaluate exposure levels when respirators are used. Air monitoring provides objective data to ensure proper respiratory protection and safe working conditions.
What Happens Onsite?
Your VOC air monitoring will be simple and minimally disruptive:
- One employee (a representative painter) will be selected for sampling
- Two small monitoring badges will be worn near the breathing zone (upper chest area)
- Sampling will occur during normal painting operations in the spray booth
- The badges remain in place for a full 8-hour work shift
During this time:
- The employee works as usual
- The badges passively collect air samples
- No equipment or pumps are required
After the shift:
- The badges are sealed
- A short form is completed
- Samples are shipped to the laboratory for analysis
How to View Your Results
Once your results are ready:
- KPA reviews and processes the lab data
- A Respiratory Exposure Assessment is completed, including:
- Measured VOC exposure levels
- Comparison to OSHA limits
- A recommended cartridge change-out schedule
- All documents are uploaded to your VeraSuite account under:
- Open Compliance Documents > Policies and Documents
- Search for the folder Respiratory Protection Program
- Search for Air Monitoring
- Ordered by date.
What This Means for You
VOC air monitoring helps you:
- Meet OSHA respiratory protection requirements
- Understand real exposure levels in your facility
- Ensure the correct respirator and cartridge schedule are used
- Improve worker safety with data-driven decisions
If you have questions about your results or next steps, your KPA consultant is available to help.