Industrial hygiene

ALS has premier industrial hygiene laboratories throughout the world, providing analysis for a safer working environment.

Certain working environments present a higher number of safety hazards for employees. One of the safety hazards identified by OSHA and NIOSH is silica dust exposure during hydraulic fracturing.

Dusts containing crystalline forms of silica (quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite) may cause silicosis. Interferences occur in IR and visible spectrometry methods to give false values.

ALS locations hold accreditations relevant to their work and area of operation. Participation in NELAP, CALA, AIHA-LAP, DOD, various state and other programs is location - specific. Refer to Scopes of Accreditation in the Downloads section of this site for details relevant to each ALS location.

The Salt Lake City laboratory offers analysis for silica using NIOSH Method 7500 by X-Ray Diffraction. NIOSH Method 7500 is able to speciate the different crystalline forms of free silica and differentiate from most interferences in bulk or air filter samples.

Amorphous silica does not interfere
Secondary peaks may allow quantitation if interferences are present
Silica interferences may be removed with acid pre-treatment
Total weight and silica analyses may be done on same filter

We also offer complete Hydraulic Fracturing Kits, which include sampling and monitoring supplies, as well as optional analytical work.

For more information about our silica analysis, or our complete Hydraulic Fracturing Kits, please fill out the contact form above.

ALS can provide comprehensive analytical services in the areas of: