OSHA Exposure Assessments & NEAs
Documenting Workplace Conditions to Meet OSHA Requirements
Supporting Compliance with Clear, Defensible Exposure Data
OSHA exposure assessments are used to evaluate employee exposure to airborne hazards and determine whether those exposures are within acceptable limits.
In some cases, employers may be able to establish a Negative Exposure Assessment (NEA), which shows that employee exposures are consistently below OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs) under specific conditions.
These assessments provide documented evidence of workplace conditions and can be used to support compliance, reduce regulatory risk, and guide safety decisions.
Scope of Services
- Personal air monitoring during representative work activities
- Task-based and full-shift exposure assessments
- Evaluation of exposure levels relative to OSHA PELs
- Development of Negative Exposure Assessments (NEAs), when applicable
- Documentation of sampling methods, conditions, and results
- Clear reporting suitable for OSHA review or internal records
- Recommendations for controls or follow-up monitoring, if needed
Who Typically Requires OSHA Exposure Assessments
- Construction and trade contractors
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Employers working with silica, dust, or chemical hazards
- Safety managers and EHS professionals
- Organizations preparing for or responding to OSHA inspections
Common Applications
- Silica compliance and documentation for construction activities
- Establishing a Negative Exposure Assessment (NEA)
- Supporting OSHA compliance programs and written plans
- Baseline exposure documentation for ongoing operations
- Demonstrating effectiveness of engineering controls or work practices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an OSHA exposure assessment?
An OSHA exposure assessment measures what employees are exposed to during their work activities and compares those levels to OSHA permissible exposure limits. It helps determine whether workplace conditions meet regulatory requirements.
What is a Negative Exposure Assessment (NEA)?
A Negative Exposure Assessment (NEA) is documentation showing that employee exposures are consistently below OSHA limits under specific conditions. When properly established, it can reduce the need for ongoing monitoring for certain tasks.
When is an NEA used?
NEAs are commonly used in construction and industrial settings, especially for hazards like silica. They are established based on representative monitoring data and must reflect actual working conditions to remain valid.
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