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.

Environmental Evaluation has a highly experienced occupational hygiene team comprising of 1 BOHS Member (MFOH), 6 BOHS Licentiate (LFOH) and 1 BOHS Associate (AFOH) grade members.

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 (BS EN ISO 10882)
• wood dust (MDHS 14/3)
• rubber fume (MDHS 47/2)
• isocyanates (MDHS 25/3)
• formaldehyde (MDHS 102)
• respirable crystalline silica (MDHS 101)
• toxic metals (MDHS 14/3 & 99)
• flour and grain dust (MDHS 14/3)
• machine made mineral fibres (MDHS 59)
• oil mists (MDHS 84 or 95/2)
• solvent vapours & gases (MDHS 70)
• solder fume (MDHS 83/2)

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.