Which analytical technique is the appropriate method for OSHA personal samples?

• A. OSHA Reference Method
• B. NIOSH Manual Method
• C. EPA Method 5
• D. ISO 8573-1

Answer: (A)

OSHA personal sampling is governed by the methods OSHA has approved for regulatory compliance. The OSHA Reference Method provides the exact sampling and analytical approach, including the media or sorbent, pump flow, sampling duration, and the laboratory procedure used to quantify the contaminant. Following this method ensures results are defensible in enforcement, consistent across labs, and meet OSHA’s QA/QC expectations. While NIOSH methods are widely used for exposure assessments and can be acceptable in many situations, they are not the formal OSHA reference for regulatory purposes. EPA Method 5 is designed for environmental stack emissions, not personal workplace air samples, and ISO 8573-1 is a standard for classifying compressed air quality, not a direct analytical technique for personal sampling. So the appropriate choice for OSHA personal samples is the OSHA Reference Method.