Workplace Air Monitoring
Workplace air monitoring will help you to make sure that your workers’ exposures to hazardous substances in the air are not at levels above the legal limits.
Why carry out air monitoring?
Regulation 10 of The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) makes it the duty of the employer to decide whether they require air monitoring.
If a company’s risk assessment shows a risk of exposure, then it should arrange for monitoring of the workplace air. This will help to make sure that the exposure of workers to harmful substances in the workplace air do not exceed the legal limits. These surveys offer peace of mind and protection for both employees and employers.
How often should I have an exposure assessment?
The suggested time between air monitoring depends upon the chemicals present in the workplace and the risks involved. For example, general dust and more inert compounds may only need an assessment every two years. Also, where previous surveys show good control of exposure, monitoring can be less often. Whereas more toxic chemicals or substances which are present in large amounts may require monitoring every year. In the same way, where the risk of exposure or risk of severe health effects is present, companies may need monitoring more often. Furthermore, any change in processes or substances handled within a facility should also prompt for another workplace air survey. It is also best practice to repeat the test after a failure, change or renewal of control measures in place.
Why Choose Synergy for your workplace air monitoring?
A competent person should carry out your air survey.
When choosing a supplier for your workplace air monitoring it is important that you choose a company of the correct calibre.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states that companies must use a competent person for their health and safety. In the case where they expose workers to a variety of substances or very hazardous substances, it advises that an occupational hygienist undertakes the workplace air monitoring. The consultant that comes to do the work should have a certificate of competence to carry out the work.
This is important because workplace air monitoring is not just about taking samples. It’s also about looking at working practices to see how exposure takes place. Furthermore, it’s about what the results mean and also how they can be used to reduce exposure. Interpreting results is not just a case of comparing the numbers against the exposure limits specified in EH40. In addition, someone that is competent should check the report produced by the site consultant. This person should be at least qualified to Licentiate level by the BOHS.
Helen Woollaston Occupational Hygiene Director
Helen Woollaston is Synergy’s Occupational Hygiene Director. She holds the certificate of Occupational Hygiene and is a licentiate of the faculty of occupational hygiene. Helen is passionate about her work and about protecting workers from work-related activities that could cause serious, and even fatal, illnesses. She heads a team of highly qualified consultants, competent in assessing exposure through workplace air monitoring. Helen can assist you with a bespoke strategy for all of your air measurements. In addition she will ensure all sampling is in line with relevant guidance and issue clear and concise reports.
Did you know that Synergy also carries out Workplace Noise Assessments?
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