Project Type: Health & Safety

Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Survey

Health & Safety Project

Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Survey

Confidential Utilities Company • Southwestern US 

Solution Overview

Excavation drill drilling into the ground on site at a power plant, where Apex conducted a comprehensive hazardous materials survey.

Client:

Confidential utilities company

Business Challenge:

  • Prepare for upcoming decommissioning activities at a campus power plant

Solution:

  • Comprehensive hazardous materials assessment services

Results:

  • Timely characterization and identification of hazardous materials
  • Design and pre-demolition support

Challenge

In preparation for facility decommissioning of its onsite power plant, our client was required to perform a comprehensive hazardous materials survey.

Solution

Due to our strong performance providing asbestos consulting services at its power plant over the years, the client requested that Apex complete a comprehensive asbestos, lead-based paint (LBP), and hazardous materials survey for the entire facility in preparation for decommissioning.

Apex reviewed existing asbestos sampling information for the plant and collected a total of approximately 550 additional samples of suspect materials that had not previously been characterized. Apex also conducted a LBP survey utilizing a portable x-ray fluorescence analyzer, collecting a total of 440 readings from painted components in the facility and identifying LBP that will be managed during decommissioning. Positive lead readings identified 28 lead-based paints. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) identified
13 homogeneous areas plus two additional homogeneous areas with asbestos concentrations governed by OSHA (<1% asbestos by point count).

Results

Apex prepared budgetary estimates for removal of identified ACM, LBP, and other hazardous materials within the facility. Apex is in the process of assisting our client with the schematic designs and phasing of removal of ACM, LBP, and hazardous materials from the facility prior to demolition.

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Legionella Water Management Plan

Health & Safety Project

Legionella Water Management Plan

Confidential Aerospace Client • Orlando, FL

Solution Overview

Client:

Confidential aerospace client

Business Challenge:

  • Client needed a Legionella Management Plan (LMP) for its multi-building, older manufacturing facility in Florida

Solution:

  • Performed various assessments, including area walkthroughs and inspections of water systems for possible Legionella growth
  • Identified systems at risk, performed an assessment to rank identified risks, and prepared the LMP

Results:

  • Developed a program to include maintenance, testing, cleaning, and disinfection of at-risk water systems to minimize health risks

Challenge

The client’s facility consisted of 85 buildings with complex plumbing and mechanical systems. An investigation to delineate systems that may pose potential Legionella risks was needed since plans and schematics were not readily available for the older buildings.

Solution

Apex performed a facility-wide Legionella risk assessment and developed an LMP in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air‑Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards and guidelines.

Our team’s responsibilities included:

  • Conducting a walkthrough assessment of all facility buildings to identify potential areas and water system components that could be conducive to Legionella colonization.
  • Visually inspecting and identifying water system components for conditions favorable to Legionella growth such as scale, biofilm, algae and sediment. Measuring pH, residual free chlorine and temperature of water from identified system components.
  • Performing a risk-based analysis of assessment findings to develop an overall program to manage Legionella risk at the facility.

Results

Based on the results of the risk assessment, Apex developed an LMP that included identification of plan participants and responsibilities; procedures for inspection, maintenance and cleaning for at-risk water system components; water sampling and testing program to confirm efficacy of inspection, maintenance, and cleaning procedures; and disinfection procedures for facility water systems and components.

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Process Safety Management Program Development and Implementation

Health & Safety Project

Process Safety Management Program Development and Implementation

Miscellaneous Clients • Multiple Locations

Solution Overview

Client:

Miscellaneous Clients

Business Challenge:

  • Develop and maintain a Process Safety Management (PSM) program that fits industry and site needs while also supporting ongoing production and operational efficiency.

Solution:

  • Deep knowledge and expertise in the development and implementation of PSM programs across a wide range of industries and hazards, with cross-disciplinary experience in management systems development and training.

Results:

  • Efficient and effective PSM programs tailored to site and employee needs.

Challenge

Performing PSM can be a challenging task for any organization. The main challenge is to ensure the safety of employees and the surrounding community while simultaneously maintaining production levels. This requires a thorough understanding of the various hazards associated with the process and how to mitigate them. Additionally, companies must comply with various regulations and standards to ensure that their PSM system is up to par. Proper training of employees is also crucial in ensuring that they are aware of potential hazards and know how to respond in case of an emergency. Overall, PSM is a complex task that requires careful planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure the safety of all involved.

Solution

Apex has developed PSM programs for the beverage and container industries for sites exceeding threshold quantities of anhydrous ammonia and chlorine. Compilation of Process Safety Information (PSI) for covered processes has included chemical evaluation, process flow design, piping, and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), and the formation of engineered safety systems to minimize incidents. To ensure that equipment used in high hazard process is maintained with the highest mechanical integrity (MI), Apex helps identify and institute requirements that apply to pressure vessels, storage tanks, piping systems, relief devices, emergency shutdown systems, controls, and pumps used in high hazard processes. Apex performs Process Hazard Analyses (PHA’s) using Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP), Fault Tree Analysis, and Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) to identify potential causes and consequences of fires, explosions, releases and of toxic chemicals. Major spills are assessed in relation to equipment, instrumentation, utilities, human actions, and external factors that might impact the process.

The PSM program supported by Apex at these facilities has included the development and implementation of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as required by 29 CFR 1910.119. These include required elements such as initial startup, normal operations, temporary operations, emergency shutdown, emergency operations, normal shutdown, and startup following an emergency.

Apex develops and delivers training for contractors and employees and has supported the implementation of employee participation programs to ensure all elements of the standard are met. Management of Change (MOC) programs have been developed to ensure that contemplated changes to hazardous processes are thoroughly evaluated to fully assess the potential impact on employee safety and the environment, and to determine what changes may be needed to existing operating procedures. Following any changes or introduction of new hazards, Apex supports the development and creation of a Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) process to verify that construction plans and equipment meet design specifications, that safety, operating, maintenance, and emergency procedures are current and accurate, and that hazard analysis and training have been developed to address changes.

While Apex and the facilities it supports focus on preventing incidents from occurring, it is critical that emergency pre-planning and training procedures are in place and practiced. Apex develops and trains employees on procedures required for handling releases of highly hazardous chemicals. Additionally, Apex develops incident investigation processes to enable the site teams to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions that will prevent reoccurrence of incidents. To ensure all aspects of PSM are implemented, Apex performs compliance audits, required by the standard every three years, to certify the sites are identifying and correcting deficiencies.

Results

Apex’s approach to PSM results in a safer work environment for employees and the surrounding community while also helping to protect our clients from financial and legal challenges that often arise due to uncontrolled hazards. Our knowledge of industry operations, and our cross-disciplinary expertise with management systems and associated training requirements results in increased production efficiency and reduced downtime due to accidents or incidents. We know that properly trained and empowered employees can respond quickly and effectively in case of an emergency, potentially preventing serious injuries or fatalities, and therefore focus on delivering impactful instruction to your teams. Our goal is to help you design and deliver a sound PSM program that will protect lives, property, and the environment while also benefiting your company’s bottom line.

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Hurricane Ida Storm Damage Response

Environmental Project

Hurricane Ida Storm Damage Response

Confidential Aviation Client • Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) International Airport

Solution Overview

An airplane parked on the runway at sunset during Apex's storm damage response.

Client:

Confidential Aviation Client

Business Challenge:

  • Hurricane Ida caused significant storm damage to an international airport’s terminal and ramp operations.

Solution:

  • Developed an efficient and effective sampling approach in compliance with Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), PANYNJ, and other local and state requirements
  • Created a method for labeling and documenting the positive materials our team identified
  • Established quantitative and qualitative procedures to confirm the efficacy of cleaning, sanitizing and restoring building materials while minimizing our impact on operations

Results:

  • Apex’s comprehensive survey and remediation plan provided safety practices and protocols to guide our client’s contractors, employees and customers while conducting their business in an active work site; this key deliverable enabled our client to swiftly proceed with cleanup and restoration of the storm’s impacts.

Challenge

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the client hired Apex to determine the extent of class 3 water damages to their international airport’s terminal and ramp operations involving employee- and customer-facing operations and storage as well as to identify high-moisture areas, including mold and asbestos containing materials (ACM) impacts to building materials.

Solution

Apex assembled a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with the appropriate credentials—including EPA AHERA-, New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)-, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection-certified asbestos inspectors, as well as NYSDOL-certified mold assessors and support staff—to perform and oversee work at the airport.

Our services included:

  • Moisture mapping of stormwater-impacted building materials within the terminal
  • Identifying and quantifying impacted building materials
  • Performing indoor air quality assessments
  • Conducting asbestos bulk sampling, microbial surface tape lift sampling, microbial air sampling, and sewage swab screening sampling of stormwater-impacted building materials
  • Preparing timely summary and final reports detailing the extent of damaged materials
  • Developing asbestos abatement and mold remediation documents
  • Monitoring of asbestos abatement and mold remediation projects
  • Performing clearance inspections and air testing of asbestos abatement and mold remediation projects
  • Preparing closeout reports

Results

Through effective communications with the client and scheduling of our team’s and abatement contractors’ work, Apex identified and provided oversight of asbestos abatement and mold remediation at the terminal with minimal disruption to the active airport’s ongoing operations.

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Odor Complaint Response and Assessment

Health & Safety Project

Odor Complaint Response and Assessment

National Healthcare Services Provider • Florida

Solution Overview

Summa canisters used part of the IAQ study where Apex collected indoor and outdoor air samples for volatile organic compounds.

Client:

National healthcare services provider

Business Challenge:

  • A healthcare facility’s occupants noticed a strong smell and began complaining about physical symptoms associated with the smell.
  • No one could pinpoint the source or cause of the odor.

Solution:

  • Apex performed a series of indoor air quality tests to identify the source of the odor, which was determined to be mothballs (naphthalene) placed by the building’s facility manager to ward off rodents and birds.

Results:

  • Apex oversaw the removal of the mothballs and performed actions to reduce the concentration of naphthalene in the indoor air.
  • Actions facilitated re-occupancy and the continuation of normal business operations.

Challenge

A confidential healthcare company engaged Apex to conduct an indoor air quality (IAQ) study at its healthcare facility in Florida after the methods used to remove birds that had entered through a roof hatch caused a strong chemical odor and concern for the health of its staff and patients.

Solution

Testing and investigation determined that the source of the odor was associated with mothballs that had been placed by the property manager in the healthcare facility’s drop ceiling (unbeknownst to the client) on the incorrect assumption that they would repel future avian and potential rodent infestations. The mothballs were purchased at a local hardware store and, in subsequent review of the product manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS), contained greater than 99 percent naphthalene. The mothballs were deployed just prior to a long holiday weekend. When employees and patients returned to the healthcare facility they complained of an unusual odor. Several employees later refused to work and complained of headaches, eye, and throat irritation.

As part of the IAQ study, Apex collected indoor and outdoor (for comparison) air samples for a broad range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using Summa canisters and laboratory analysis via US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method TO-15. The air analysis detected concentrations of naphthalene indoors at several orders of magnitude above the outdoor (background) concentrations. Indoor air concentrations of naphthalene approached 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3). Concurrently, outdoor air was found to contain <0.18 to ~1.0 μg/m3 naphthalene.

In consultation with the client’s corporate risk management, the healthcare facility was closed to allow remedial action to dispose of the mothballs and take actions to improve the IAQ. The mothballs were found to have been placed in random locations throughout the ceiling and insulation above the drop ceiling. A restoration contractor was retained to initiate remedial actions. Air scrubbers were deployed to create aggressive fresh air exchange and circulation; greater than eight air changes per hour were maintained continuously.

The entire drop ceiling and insulation above the ceiling were removed to eliminate all of the mothballs, and HVAC units were cleaned; air sampling was then conducted to evaluate conditions. A noticeable mothball odor was still present. Air sampling for naphthalene still found indoor air concentrations at orders of magnitude above concurrent outdoor air.

Apex conducted further testing of building materials to evaluate possible secondary sources for naphthalene off-gassing. Our laboratory consultant conducted special chamber analysis of building materials to evaluate if naphthalene was off-gassing. Bulk samples of wallboard were containerized and placed in the laboratory chamber and allowed to off-gas for 24-hours and airborne VOCs determined via EPA Method TO-15. Bulk samples were evaluated both at room temperature and when heated to 120 F. Chamber analysis confirmed gypsum wallboard throughout the facility was off‑gassing naphthalene, at concentrations similar to concurrent indoor air concentrations of naphthalene at that time. It is assumed the wallboard had absorbed naphthalene as a result of the mothball deployment. Control samples of wallboard from identical and nearby facilities found no detectable concentrations of naphthalene from similar chamber tests.

Forty days after the mothballs were deployed, the indoor air concentrations were still greater than 10 times the concurrent outdoor air naphthalene concentrations. Given that the mothballs had all been removed and the wallboard assumed to have absorbed naphthalene, additional aggressive fresh air ventilation was required.

Results

In consultation with the client’s corporate risk management and health care professionals, Apex’s senior Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) established an acceptable re-occupancy criterion for indoor air. Naphthalene exposures can elicit an acute response and are also a possible carcinogen. Because the populations that frequent the facility included higher at-risk occupants with numerous underlying medical conditions and other sensitive populations, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the EPA regional screening levels were the primary sources for establishing acceptable indoor air criteria.

Apex developed a remedial action plan that included aggressive air scrubbing and fresh air circulation. Several rounds of indoor air testing demonstrated that naphthalene had eventually reduced from near 1,000 μg/m3 indoors to about 1.0 μg/m3 in concentration. After three months, indoor air concentrations were reduced to an acceptable level to allow re-occupancy, and the client was able to reopen the facility with the peace of mind that any risk to its patients and staff had been eliminated.

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Generating Plant Asbestos and Lead Paint Survey

Health & Safety Project

Generating Plant Asbestos and Lead Paint Survey

Confidential Electrical Utility Provider • Florida

Solution Overview

Client:

Confidential Electric Utility Company

Business Challenge:

  • Quantify and document asbestos‑containing materials (ACM) and lead-containing paint (LCP) at a large, active power generation plant

Solution:

  • Develop a sampling approach in alignment with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and other local and state requirements as well as a method for labeling and documenting any positive materials identified

Results:

  • A comprehensive survey and operations and maintenance (O&M) plan that allowed the client to proceed with its maintenance and renovation activities while safeguarding worker health and safety

Challenge

Apex Companies was contracted by a large national electric utility provider to provide a comprehensive plant-wide ACM and LCP survey at a plant it recently acquired. The plant currently runs on natural gas and provides 340 MW net capacity of electricity but was built in the 1960s and historically operated coal generation units. The client also requested O&M plans based on the results of the survey activities so that they could proceed with plant upgrades and renovations with full knowledge of any hazardous materials present onsite.

Solution

In September 2019, Apex mobilized a team of two AHERA-accredited asbestos inspectors to the facility. During the seven-day assessment, Apex identified 260 different homogeneous areas of materials that might potentially contain asbestos. Seven‑hundred nineteen individual samples of the suspect materials were collected and submitted for analysis. Laboratory analysis of 719 individual sample layers revealed no asbestos detected above one percent in any of the samples. Apex also collected photographic images of the suspect materials and noted the locations, approximate quantities, and physical condition. Sample locations were provided on facility figures.

Additionally, where surface coatings were present, Apex collected paint chip samples of suspect LCPs. Coatings that were similar in color and appearance in the same area were assumed to be homogeneous in age and composition. Fifty-eight paint chip samples were collected for analysis of lead content by percent. Of these samples, laboratory analysis indicated that six of the coatings were found to contain lead levels at or above the reporting limit for the analytical method. Color, location, and photographs of the coatings were provided in the report, along with the laboratory analytical report. Based on the paint analytical results, a lead paint O&M plan was developed and provided to the client.

Numerous unlabeled pipes and the associated suspect insulation were identified at the facility. Apex personnel developed a homogeneous area/sample identification system based on such factors as pipe diameter, plant location, and apparatus (valves, tanks, etc.) connected to the pipe. In this way, each asbestos sample could be assigned a unique identifier, allowing an interested party to immediately determine the asbestos content status of any given pipe within a given plant location.

Results

Apex completed the project both on time and under the allocated budget. After the laboratory results were finalized for the considerable number of samples collected, Apex prepared a draft report for review by client representatives. After receiving comments from client stakeholders, the final survey report was delivered in February 2020. The client was pleased with the timeliness, communication, and professionalism of the staff, whose approach paved the way for its planned facility modifications and renovations.

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Use of Upper Extremity Exoskeletons for Control of Injuries Associated with Overhead Work

Health & Safety Project

Use of Upper Extremity Exoskeletons for Control of Injuries Associated with Overhead Work

Aerospace and Aircraft Manufacturing Confidential Client

Solution Overview

Client:

Leading multinational manufacturer of commercial and defense aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles

Challenge:

  • Multiple factory floor tasks requiring prolonged overhead work and related high workers compensation (WC) claim costs
  • Developing trust from the touch labor workforce
  • Demonstrating new technologies and validating their positive impact on operational costs

Solution:

  • Short term: exoskeletons were deployed during operations with positive acceptance
  • Long term: exoskeletons are likely to be rolled out across the enterprise where prolonged overhead work cannot be mitigated without their use

Results:

  • Greater than 80 percent reduction in WC claim frequency are expected
  • $4M or greater annual reduction in WC total claim costs for this site
  • 25 to 40 percent injury reduction, with full deployment of exoskeletons
  • Improved overall quality due to workforce being less fatigued

Challenge

As part of an outsourcing assignment for this aerospace manufacturer, an Apex ergonomist was assigned to a team working to eliminate injuries associated with overhead work in the manufacture of the company’s jetliner models. There are several manufacturing tasks (key examples: drilling, wrenching, sealing) including installation of mechanical components and electrical wire runs, where the worker’s upper extremities are extended overhead. Additionally, preparing the aircraft surface for painting requires extensive operations where workers’ upper extremities are above their heads for multiple hours per day. Review of the client’s injury data over a four-year period (2013-2016) pertaining to ergonomics-related cases revealed 52 percent of all ergonomics-related cases involved the back, shoulders, and neck. Most of these injuries came from tasks where there are high levels of overhead work. These three injury categories resulted in WC costs of $15M for this four-year period.

Solution

There are several methods that could be considered in the quest to reduce or eliminate injuries associated with prolonged overhead work. Some methods would require complete retooling of the manufacturing process. The project team focused on methods that could be implemented quickly and not require complete redesign of the current manufacturing processes.

Exoskeletons, specifically, upper extremity exoskeletons were investigated to assist the worker in working overhead without the muscular burden of keeping their arms at or above their shoulders for prolong periods. These devices offset the weight of the worker’s arms and provide a neutral force to upwards of 15 lbf per arm.

This allows the use of hand tools and offsets the weight of these tools during prolonged work at shoulder height and higher, allowing the user to work with little to no muscular exertion, thereby reducing the stress on the musculoskeletal system.

The Apex ergonomist worked in close partnership with the client’s research teams to evaluate the use of upper extremity exoskeletons in the manufacturing process with a focus on identifying use cases, working with mechanics, sealers, painters, and electricians to assist in identifying the type of upper extremity exoskeleton that best suits the type of work performed.

Currently exoskeletons are being tested and used in production in five aircraft programs; this effort is expanding.

Results

The use of exoskeletons in the manufacturing environment is still in the early stages of implementation and testing. But the testing undertaken in the last two to three years has shown promising results. The theories around these technologies have proven to yield fruit in that loading of the muscle groups involved in overhead work has been reduced. The amount of support these devices provide differs depending on the posture and support needed by the work itself. The level of support provided by the devices tested to date range between 6 lbf, and 15 lbf, for each arm. The worker can adjust the level of force needed based on the type of overhead work performed.

These devices are not without challenge. Some employees find them restrictive, some find them “hot.” Another challenge is that some devices have a larger operational envelop, creating concern that the worker might unintentionally back into and contact the work piece causing damage. Also, there are concerns that two workers cannot work in close quarters to one another while both are wearing these devices as, depending on the device, the workers could interfere with each other.

Ergonomic risks involving injuries associated with overexertion are of the magnitude of about $42M annually for this customer enterprise wide. For the site the Apex ergonomist was engaged with, it is anticipated that over the next two years a reduction in injury costs associated with prolonged overhead work in the range of 25 to 40 percent will be achieved once these exoskeletons are used in earnest, significantly reducing the ~$15M WC spend currently experienced by the site.

Improvements in quality and labor costs are expected due to the fatigue reduction among touch labor. Labor cost improvements are also expected as scheduled work will be completed on time more often (and potentially ahead of time) which is always a benefit. Improving quality while optimizing labor cost is always a good result.

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Reduction in Injuries Through Postural Changes and Tool Design

Health & Safety Project

Reduction in Injuries Through Postural Changes and Tool Design

Aerospace and Aircraft Manufacturing Confidential Client

Solution Overview

Client:

Leading multinational manufacturer of commercial and defense aircrafts, spacecrafts, satellites and missiles

Challenge:

  • Develop short- and long-term mitigations without affecting manufacturing flow, and physical changes to the product
  • Develop trust from workforce and removing the hurdles of “this is how we have always done it”

Solution:

  • Provide training on how to apply force to avoid stress on the shoulders, back, and neck when torquing electrical feedthroughs
  • Design tooling that significantly reduces forces and eliminates awkward postures

Results:

  • Greater than 90 percent reduction in Worker Compensation (WC) claim frequency
  • Greater than 30 percent reduction in WC claim costs
  • Ergonomic risks factors were reduced by over 65 percent
  • Improved overall quality of the installation process
  • Designed a tooling system, reducing the labor burden by 50 percent

Challenge

As part of an outsourcing assignment of a large aerospace manufacturer Apex was assigned a project to investigate and eliminate injuries associated with performing high force manual torque of over 43 electrical feedthroughs of one of the company’s airliner models. In review of the work practices involved, it was discovered that workers were performing these high force exertions in awkward postures and using inadequate tools for the job, which resulted in numerous injuries and lost time annually.

Solution

Apex conducted ergonomic evaluations of each electrical feedthrough and evaluated the postures used and interviewed the workers normally conducting these activities. As a short-term mitigation, Apex ergonomists worked with mechanics and electricians on how to effectively position their body to maximize leverage needed to provide the force required to effectively and safely apply the necessary torque to properly seat and bond the electrical feedthroughs. Additionally, Apex ergonomists worked with the client’s engineering team to automate the torquing operation by designing a tool set consisting of 17 different connector sizes and four different torque ranges between 400 to 750 lbs‑in. Since the development of this tool set, this method of torque application has been expanded to other areas of the factory and used on torques as high as 1500 lbs‑in.

Results

Once fully implemented by manufacturing operations, the program has not experienced a recordable injury due to this work process. The concept developed within this specific program by Apex has been introduced in other areas of the enterprise with positive results, and acceptance and has been recognized by both the program and enterprise senior leadership.

Ergonomic risks factors were reduced by over 65 percent, eliminating five of seven high‑risk factors, reducing the remaining two high‑risk factors to moderate and reducing one moderate risk to a low.

Based on injury history for this work process the implementation and use of these tools results in an injury cost avoidance of at least $265,000.

Quality of the work involving these tools has drastically improved, with no bonding failures since tooling was fully implemented. Time on the job and resource allocation has been reduced by 50 percent, allowing for higher levels of productivity within the work cell.

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Legionella Program Management

Health & Safety Project

Legionella Program Management

Confidential Hospital System • National

Solution Overview

Client:

One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive hospitals and a leading provider of inpatient, ambulatory, and preventive care.

Business Challenge:

Prevent the exposure of sensitive populations to legionella bacteria.

Solution:

Assess and monitor water management practices to ensure healthy environments for employees and patients:

  • Implement sampling program following ASTM standards.
  • Utilize qualified professionals and subject matter experts to manage program.
  • Holistic approach involving sampling, analysis, reporting and consulting.

Results:

With the support of Apex, liability risk reduction is recognized through improved water quality management practices, resulting in a healthier environment for both personnel and patients.

Challenge

Prevent the exposure of sensitive populations to legionella bacteria, which commonly grow in large aquatic systems such as cooling towers and central air conditioning units. Exposure can result in death for those with compromised immune systems or underlying health issues.

Solution

Apex Companies supported thirteen facilities of a major hospital group in the Northeast with their Legionella program.

The annual program is designed to confirm the efficacy of the water management practices presently in place at the locations. The sampling efforts include potable hot and cold water systems and cooling towers. As part of the sampling program Apex collected water temperature and free residual chlorine measurements. Samples were submitted to a qualified laboratory for analysis of Legionella bacteria by culture technique on specific growth, and were collected in accordance with ASTM Standard D5952-2008 and analyzed in accordance with the International Standard Method 11731 Water quality-detection and enumeration of Legionella (ISO 11731). This includes speciation and serogroup identification.

If positive tests were encountered, Apex collected follow up samples within fourteen days after the hospital personnel complete remediation activity. As part of our reporting process, Apex prepared a summary table of results that includes sample locations, laboratory results, and measurements of pH, free chlorine, and temperature.

Other services provided for similar programs and available to this client have included evaluation of potable and non-potable water systems, risk assessments, plan development, review of existing plans with recommendations for improvements, training of client staff on how to implement programs, or full support from Apex which may include line purging, sampling, database of monitoring and testing results and regulatory reporting.

Results

With the support of Apex, liability risk reduction was recognized through improved water quality management practices, resulting in a healthier environment for both personnel and patients.

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EHS Consulting for a Global Retail Company

Health & Safety Project

EHS Consulting for a Global Retail Company

Global Retailer and Logistics Company • Nationwide

Solution Overview

Client:

Global retailer and logistics company (multinational technology company which has business in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence).

Business Challenge:

Provide accurate, rapid, and professional environmental, health, and safety (EHS) consulting support across business units, geographies, and technical needs—from employee exposure assessments to specialized subject matter expertise, to consulting, and technology evaluations.

Solution:

A partnership with one of the country’s most diverse and responsive team of industrial hygiene, safety, and environmental professionals.

Results:

Delivery of support across numerous business areas to accommodate real time needs, changing conditions, and regulations to assist client management teams, maintain compliance, and safeguard employee health and safety.

Challenge

Provide accurate, rapid, and professional EHS consulting support across business units, geographies, and technical needs—from employee exposure assessments to specialized subject matter expertise, to consulting, and technology evaluations.

Solution

Since 2013, Apex Companies has provided support to the client. Our work has included:

  • General industrial hygiene support including; qualitative and quantitative assessments for exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards (noise, x-ray radiation, heat and cold stress, etc.); indoor environmental quality assessments; asbestos and lead-based paint assessments; and mold and moisture assessments
  • Programmatic health and safety support for the development policies and procedures for North America and Canada, including but not limited to, lockout/tagout, powered industrial trucks, walking working surfaces, hotwork, machine guarding, etc. 
  • COVID-19 health and safety support including development of programs, policies and procedures, research into efficacy, and modeling of various technology applications related to social distancing, barriers, cleaning and disinfection, and HVAC systems, pilot studies, on‑site staffing, process auditing, and additional confidential projects
  • Safety support including embedded on-site support and safety program consulting
  • Project management support
  • Administrative support providing organization of records and data management
  • Regulatory reporting support including expansion of the team
  • Emergency response (wildfires, flooding, fires, etc.)
  • Pre-facility opening safety support
  • Environmental facility support related to drinking water and program development
  • Environmental engineering support, including evaluations of emissions and ventilation systems
  • Stormwater management including inspections, repairs, and best management practices (BMPs)/Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)

Results

Apex’s continued support for this client is critical to ensuring that process improvements are made in a timely manner, and that the client is able to manage the health, safety, and wellbeing of its workforce in a proactive way. The client considers the Apex team an extension of its own workforce and a partner in its mission.

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