Ambient occupational air monitoring usually involves active air sampling using a mechanical sampling pump. Personal exposure concentrations are calculated & time weighted averages compared to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) as detailed in the HSE’s EH40. Exceeding these limit values is a breach of the CoSHH regulations.
Monitoring is performed with personnel wearing air samplers over long- or short-term periods. The most common sampling is carried wood dust, welding fume from mild & stainless steel & diesel fumes would be the most common reasons for sdampling. Occupational monitoring is associated more with industrial type environments where concerns relate to more specific parameters which are usually process driven. Occupational monitoring often forms part of LEV Testing to establish a baseline, determine levels of exposure concentration and confirm controls are working.
This is useful for providing information about contamination from fixed sources & assessing effectiveness of control measures, e.g. background sampling outside a partially enclosed spray booth. BUT cannot be used to establish personal exposures or be compared to hygiene standards.
No mechanical pumps required, this is usually determined by analaysing material. Some examples include badges for xylene, fixed metal tubes for total volatile organic compounds and settle plates.
Grab samples is a quick method of taking an air sample often with instantaneous results, however sometimes the results should be considered qualitative due to tube inaccuracy & non-specificity. Grab sampling is useful as a cost effective approach for jobs where the contaminant is not readily identifiable.
Taken and analysed for identification purposes. Bulk sampling can be used to show spread of contamination. However , it is not possible to relate the results to airborne concentrations.
We have more information on the COSHH Process below:
“Whale has enjoyed a long working relationship with DevineAir for both our LEV and air assessments and our noise assessments. DevineAir are a thoroughly professional company and the standards and detail of their work is exactly what Whale requires. This has allowed us to take a pro-active approach to improving our processes, and reducing noise levels to ensure we help protect our own employees as well helping us manage the site’s environmental noise impact”
“DevineAir has delivered several projects simultaneously for us. Their advice has certainly narrowed down our environmental and health & safety issues and focused us on the right path to getting the correct, cost-effective solutions in place. They also manage the ongoing environmental statutory compliances on our behalf, reducing our risk and saving our time.”
“I have worked with Ciaran for years and his depth of knowledge on environmental topics, particularly Local Exhaust Ventilation & Air Quality, is very impressive. Since I have known him, he has continuously strived to improve his knowledge, skills & breadth of services to the benefit of the client.”
To find out more, get in touch with our team to discuss the benefits and innovative solutions we can bring to your sampling requirements.
