Air Quality Consultants
Sysco Environment was commissioned to carry out an assessment of occupational exposure to substances hazardous to health at a site in Northfleet. The objectives of the assessment were to measure the atmospheric concentration of various hazardous contaminants, identify relevant exposure groups and exposure patterns, establish the daily personal exposure of employees at risk and advise on suitable risk control.
Substances that are hazardous to health are:
- Chemicals
- Fumes
- Dust
- Vapours
- Mists
- Nanotechnology
- Gases and Asphyxiating gases
- Biological Agents
Thousands of substances are used at work, but only around 500 of these substances have a WEL. (Workplace exposure limit) listed in the EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits.
Employees can be exposed by
- Breathing in fumes, dust, gas or mist
- Skin contact
- Injection into the skin
- Ingesting
Airborne particulates and vapours were collected using Casella and SKC Personal Samplers.
The sampling flow rates were calibrated prior to, during and after. Samples for inhalable and respirable dust were collected using IOM sampling heads fitted with GFA filters and respirable foam plugs.
The results of the assessment showed that none of the areas exceeded the WELs and all reports were below 50% with the highest being 1.2. The employees are unlikely to be exposed to levels of respirable and total inhalable dust above the workplace exposure limits so the use of RPE is not required.
Any workers who are exposed to hazardous substances should receive suitable and sufficient training. The workers should be trained on the use of all controls and what procedure to follow if exposure controls fail.
For more information on indoor air quality click here
