Workplace Exposure Monitoring

The COSHH regulations require that workplace air monitoring is undertaken if:

• the failure of control measures could cause serious ill health
• a substance has a workplace exposure limit (WEL)/ in-house limit
• a verification on the effectiveness of a control measure is required
• where changes to working conditions could affect employees’ exposure

Environmental Evaluation can assist in your compliance with the COSHH regulations by devising and undertaking workplace air monitoring surveys to measure personal exposures and background concentrations of hazardous substances in the workplace.

All our work is undertaken following the latest Health & Safety Executive published guidance including L5 COSHH ACoP, HSG173 ‘Monitoring strategies for toxic substances’ and relevant Methods of Determining Hazardous Substances (MDHS).

Workplace exposure monitoring can typically include the following;

• welding fume
• wood dust
• rubber fume
• isocyanates
• toxic metals
• flour and grain dust
• oil mists
• solvent vapours
• gases

Samples are analysed at a UKAS accredited laboratory which participates in the Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP).

Results are presented in detailed interpretive reports comparing results with UK Workplace Exposure Limits or where appropriate comparative international limits.

If the monitoring identifies that personal exposures need to be reduced Environmental Evaluation’s experienced occupational hygienists can recommend practical, cost effective control measures.