Within the workplace, various dangerous airborne particles often arise as a direct result of industrial processes or indirect activities, such as exhaust fumes from forklifts. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the risks of these airborne particles to employees are evaluated and, if necessary, controlled.

At NEDLAB, we have extensive experience in helping our clients meet workplace air monitoring standards, thanks to our professionally qualified staff. All of our staff who carry out these assessments are certified by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).

Workplace air assessments involve identifying hazards through communication with the client. A preliminary visit to the location may be necessary to understand the client’s production process, after which a proposal is prepared containing the details of the assessment. Subsequently, a site visit will take place to carry out the assessment, with sampling equipment placed on personnel and static locations.

Afterwards, the samples are analyzed, the results calculated, and a fully interpretive report is prepared containing the results and their compliance with the Occupational Emission Limit Values (OELV), as set out in the Code of Practice for the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 619 of 2001) for Ireland or the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2013 for the UK.

Recommendations are also given on what measures should be taken to meet standards and to protect employees in general. Examples of airborne particles that can occur in the workplace include inhalable and respirable dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), isocyanates, diesel engine exhaust fumes, asbestos, and welding fumes.

Specifically for the protection of workers in the steel industry, welding fumes are increasingly seen as a major cause for concern due to the serious health effects that can occur without adequate protection.