Which option best aligns with the recommended approach for OSHA personal samples as described?

• A. OSHA Reference Method
• B. NIOSH Method 1000
• C. EPA Method 7
• D. ASTM E2689

Answer: (A)

OSHA personal sampling is standardized through a defined Reference Method to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance. A Reference Method lays out exactly how to collect a worker’s breathing-zone sample—the appropriate sampling device and media, the airflow rate, the sampling duration, and the approved analytical procedure. Using OSHA’s Reference Method means the results are directly comparable to OSHA exposure limits, meet the agency’s QA/QC requirements, and align with how compliance is determined during inspections.

NIOSH Method 1000, EPA Method 7, or ASTM E2689 are published by other organizations and contexts, and while they may be valid in other settings, they are not the OSHA-endorsed approach for OSHA personal samples.