Redmore Environmental was commissioned to undertake a programme of Workplace Dust Monitoring at four Waste Transfer Stations in Essex. The associated results were used to assess potential employee exposure to airborne dust associated with activities within the facilities.
Why is Workplace Dust Monitoring Required?
Workplace Dust Monitoring is required for several reasons, primarily to ensure the health and safety of employees. Some other key reasons why Workplace Dust Monitoring is necessary:
- Occupational Health and Safety: Dust generated in workplaces can contain hazardous substances. These can include silica, asbestos, coal dust, metal dust, wood dust, and other potentially harmful particles. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to various respiratory problems, lung diseases, allergies, and other health issues. Dust monitoring helps identify the presence and concentrations of these hazardous substances. Subsequently allowing employers to implement appropriate control measures and protect the health of workers.
- Compliance with Regulations: In the UK there are specific regulations and standards related to workplace dust exposure limits. Dust monitoring is necessary to ensure compliance with these regulations. By monitoring dust levels, employers can assess whether they are within acceptable limits and take necessary actions to reduce exposure if required.
- Evaluation of Control Measures: Regular dust monitoring allows employers to evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures implemented to reduce dust exposure. This information allows employers to prioritise control measures, such as engineering controls (ventilation, enclosure), administrative controls (work practices, training), or personal protective equipment (respirators) to minimise exposure and mitigate risks effectively.
Workplace Dust Monitoring is crucial for protecting the health and safety of employees, complying with regulations, identifying risks, evaluating control measures, and promoting a culture of safety in the workplace.
Essex Waste Transfer Stations
Monitoring was undertaken to address concerns that employees may be at risk of exposure to airborne dust as a result of activities within the Waste Transfer Stations.
Measurements were taken of inhalable and respirable dust from a combination of static monitoring locations and within the lapel regions of employees at each site. Sampling was conducted in accordance with the procedures set out in the Health and Safety document ‘MDHS 14/4: General methods for sampling and gravimetric analysis of respirable, thoracic and inhalable aerosols’ (2014) and ‘G409 ‘Exposure Measurement: Air Sampling’ (2022).
The Health and Safety Executive EH40/2005 document sets out the Workplace Exposure Limits for a variety of hazardous substances. These are specified as time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations. The results were compared to both the long-term and short-term Workplace Exposure Limits to ensure compliance with the relevant criteria.
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