When should personal sampling pumps be calibrated?

Personal sampling pumps should be calibrated before and after each cassette use to ensure accurate measurement of airborne contaminants. Calibration is essential to confirm that the flow rate of the pump is within specified limits, as any variations can significantly affect the sample results. Accurate sampling is crucial for assessing exposure levels to hazardous materials, such as asbestos, and maintaining worker safety. Regular calibration before and after each use helps to account for any potential drift in performance and ensures that the data collected is reliable for compliance with health standards.

Other suggestions regarding calibration frequency, such as weekly checks or calibrating only during malfunctions, would not provide the level of assurance necessary for occupational health monitoring, as changes in the pump's performance may go unnoticed until significant discrepancies appear in the sampling results.