116 Improving assessment of occupational exposure to hazardous substances using a hybrid approach of models and measurements with mobile sensor technology

Abstract

Introduction Occupational exposure to hazardous substances is traditionally assessed by means of exposure measurements. In the past years, the use of exposure models has been on the rise as rapid, low-cost alternative. However, these models may not always be accurate enough. The advent of inexpensive sensors has given rise to a new perspective on exposure measurements. In this presentation, findings of ongoing research are presented on developing scope and infrastructure that enriches and improves model estimates within the existing software platform Chemrade with data from near-real-time sensor measurements on the workplace. Method The required infrastructure for the integration, processing, and interpretation of data is currently being investigated in the subdomains modelling, collection of contextual data and collection of near-real-time sensor data. Contextual information is planned to be collected through a mobile app for recording the location and activities of the employee working with hazardous substances in the company, to complement the future collected sensor data. Prior to the actual selection of sensors, literature research was conducted within a technology applicability framework. Results Given that the overall research project is still ongoing, the focus of this presentation is on the results of the completed literature review. Despite the fact that this primarily focuses on the technical requirements imposed on the sensors, it also encompasses other relevant aspects associated with it, such as social, economic, and legal considerations. Depending on progress made, other results of this ongoing research project will also be highlighted. Participants in the session are invited to join the discussion on the practical application in their practice.