Airborne Contaminants
Monitoring Services for Airborne Contaminants in the Workplace
Occupational hygiene concerns the recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors in the workplace that can cause illness or impair health.
Having a robust airborne contaminant monitoring plan is a crucial aspect of maintaining strong occupational hygiene. Airborne contaminants refers to any particles, gases or vapours in the air that can be harmful to occupants’ health, including dust, chemicals and biological agents.
At ENVSS, we specialise in comprehensive monitoring of airborne contaminants to safeguard workplace health. Whether it’s exposure to inhalable or respirable dust, crystalline silica or volatile organic compounds, our team will ensure your environment meets all requirements and maintains optimal air quality.
Read on to discover how our monitoring and testing services can help you manage these risks effectively.
Workplace Exposure Standards for Different Airborne Contaminants
Airborne contaminants are assigned different exposure standards depending on their risks, quantities and compositions. At ENVSS, we specialise in monitoring exposure levels for airborne contaminants such as:
Inhalable Dust
Inhalable dust, defined as particles smaller than 100 micrometres (µm), is visible dust that can affect the upper respiratory system, including the nose, mouth, throat and upper respiratory tract.
It consists of particles of various sizes and can be generated by various work processes and activities. While larger particles tend to settle quickly and are generally too big to be inhaled, smaller particles can pose significant health risks.
Exposure to inhalable dust must be effectively managed. Where no specific exposure standard exists, and the dust is inherently low in toxicity and free from toxic impurities, the acceptable exposure limit is set at 10 mg/m³, measured as inhalable dust over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Dust can be an issue in nearly every industry, as numerous work activities will create or release it. Common examples include:
- Construction: Cutting, grinding and demolition generate substantial amounts of dust, particularly from materials like concrete and masonry.
- Manufacturing: Industries that involve milling, grinding, sanding and handling loose powders are prone to dust creation, impacting workers in ceramics, metalworking and more.
- Mining: Dust from drilling, blasting and material handling can release harmful inhalable particles.
- Agriculture: Handling livestock feed, bedding and animal waste can generate dust, adversely affecting workers’ respiratory health.
- Transportation and Warehousing: Dust can be produced during the loading and unloading of bulk materials, as well as from the movement of goods in warehouses.
- Waste Management: Operations where waste materials are handled, especially during sorting and processing, can release dust into the air.
- Food Processing: Tasks such as milling grains or packaging loose powders can create inhalable dust, posing health risks to employees.
- Pharmaceuticals: The handling and processing of fine powders in pharmaceutical manufacturing can cause significant dust exposure.
With an understanding of where inhalable dust is likely to occur, employers can take proactive measures to protect workers and ensure compliance with regulations.
Respirable Dust
Australian standards and ISO 7708 define respirable dust as the percentage of inhalable particles that can penetrate the unciliated airways and reach the lower regions of the lungs.
The exposure limit for respirable dust in Australia is generally set at 3 mg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA. This limit applies to industries including:
- Construction: Dust can be generated from earthworks, demolition, concrete mixing, insulation handling and waste processing.
- Mining and Quarrying: Dust exposure can occur from activities such as drilling, blasting, hauling, extraction, processing and stockpiling.
- Manufacturing: Dust levels can be elevated during welding, grinding, abrasive blasting and material processing.
- Agriculture: Monitoring dust from grain handling, pesticides and soil mitigates health risks and protects workers.
- Food Processing: Compliance with dust exposure standards must be upheld during bulk ingredient handling and processing.
- Metal Fabrication: Assessing dust generated from cutting, grinding and welding maintains a safe working environment.
- Waste Management: Dust can be produced during the handling and processing of waste and recyclable materials.
- Pharmaceuticals: The production of powdered substances has high potential for dust exposure.
- Textiles: Monitoring dust generated during cutting and sewing operations will safeguard workers’ health.
ENVSS utilises size-selective devices (in accordance with AS 2985-2009) to evaluate dust levels from various sources, including crystalline silica, asbestos and toxic fumes.
Additionally, our staff can serve as your Mine Air Quality Officer (MAQO), managing all aspects of dust monitoring and compliance reporting to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry and Safety Regulation (DEMIRS) for your site.
Crystalline Silica
Crystalline silica is present in materials such as sand, stone, concrete and mortar, and is used in products like artificial stone benchtops, bricks and tiles. When processed with power tools, fine dust particles known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS) are created. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to serious health issues, including silicosis.
Employers handling materials with at least 1% crystalline silica must conduct respirable crystalline silica monitoring in compliance with DEMIRS and WorkSafe WA regulations. In Australia, the exposure limit for RCS is generally set at 0.05 mg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA across most jurisdictions.
To effectively manage the risks associated with crystalline silica, it’s imporant to consider the specific contexts in which it is encountered.
Mining
Crystalline silica occurs naturally in many mineral deposits, from quartz, to granite, to sandstone. Mining works disturb these materials, releasing RCS into the air.
Regulations require employers to have trained Mine Air Quality Technicians (MAQTs) on-site to monitor air quality and ensure compliance with health standards. MAQTs serve as MAQOs, managing data reporting to the DEMIRS.
Manufacturing
In the manufacturing sector, crystalline silica is commonly found in the raw materials that are essential for producing various products. Industries like ceramics, glass and artificial stone fabrication handle these materials extensively. Processes such as cutting, grinding, polishing and shaping can release significant amounts of RCS into the air, posing health risks to workers involved in these activities.
Employers must conduct air monitoring to assess RCS exposure levels and implement effective control measures to minimise dust generation.
Construction
The construction industry frequently encounters crystalline silica during activities like concrete cutting, drilling, grinding and demolition. Tasks such as trenching and roadwork can also release RCS, making workers vulnerable to exposure.
Construction employers must adhere to WorkSafe regulations, including air monitoring and the implementation of dust control measures on building sites.
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is a component of diesel engine exhaust (DEE), a complex mixture of gases and particulate matter produced by diesel engines. DPM consists primarily of carbon soot, ash, metallic particles, sulphates and silicates.
DEE is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and possibly bladder cancer. Long-term exposure to DPM poses serious health risks. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and may worsen asthma and allergies.
DPM exposure can be a concern in various industries, including:
- Mining and Construction: Diesel-powered equipment, such as excavators and heavy machinery, contribute to elevated DPM exposure.
- Transportation and Logistics: Trucks and buses operating in confined spaces may expose workers to harmful DPM levels.
- Manufacturing: Industries that utilise diesel engines for power generation or material transportation may face DPM risks.
To protect workers, an exposure standard of 0.1 mg/m³ has been established, measured as an 8-hour TWA. Regular diesel particulate monitoring is essential to ensure compliance and safeguard employee health.
Welding Fumes
Welding can produce harmful fumes, vapours and gases, including ozone. The composition and quantity of these emissions vary depending on several factors:
- Welding Process: Electric welding processes typically generate more fumes than gas welding, and the intense ultraviolet radiation from arcs can also lead to ozone formation, increasing risk.
- Materials Used: Different materials will lead to different emission characteristics and dangers.
- Coatings: Coatings on metals can contribute to harmful emissions.
Exposure to welding fumes can lead to various health issues, beginning with irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can result in more serious conditions, such as asthma, lung damage and bronchitis, and is linked to increased risks of cancer and pneumonia.
Since many of these harmful substances are invisible, monitoring and managing exposure to these hazards is crucial for workplace safety. The exposure standard for welding fumes has been reduced from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³. Using efficient welding fume monitoring equipment is particularly important when there is uncertainty about the extent of airborne concentration
Welding fume management is especially important in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and automotive, where welding processes are frequently employed.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
The term Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) encompasses all chemicals containing carbon and hydrogen. Common VOCs include benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene and xylene.
VOCs are categorised into three distinct groups based on their boiling points: Very Volatile Organic Compounds, Volatile Organic Compounds and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs). This classification helps in understanding their behaviour and potential health impacts, as some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens.
Many VOCs can pose significant health risks. Common health effects associated with VOC exposure include:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Liver, kidney and central nervous system damage
- Loss of coordination
While symptoms manifest immediately in high concentrations, chronic health issues can often develop over time with repeated exposure to lower levels.
In Western Australia, specific exposure limits for VOCs vary depending on the individual chemical. While there is a general guideline for total VOCs, many specific VOCs, such as benzene, toluene, xylene and formaldehyde, have established exposure limits. For information on the VOCs specifc to your site, please contact us.
Other Airborne Contaminants
At ENVSS, we can also assist you in monitoring:
- Airborne fibres (asbestos, SMFs)
- Metal components
- Acid and oil mists
- Gases(CO, CO2, NO2 and others)
- Mould and microbiological contaminants
- Ambient dust (including PM10, PM2.5, nuisance and Total Suspended Particulates (TSP))
Our Airbone Contaminant Monitoring Services
Partnering with ENVSS provides you with expert guidance to meet legislative requirements and protect the health of your workforce. Utilising market-leading technology and expert understandings, we offer:
- Personal Exposure Monitoring: Tailored solutions to assess DPM exposure levels in your workplace.
- Inspections and Safety Training: Thorough inspections and safety training aligned with industry standards.
- Data Reporting: Compliance management through accurate air quality data reporting.
All of our sampling and testing is carried out at NATA-accredited laboratories.
The ENVSS team will help you take proactive steps to monitor and manage airborne contaminant exposure, ensuring your workplace is safe and compliant.
Environmental Site Services: Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work
Our range of services is centred around client needs, ensuring that our solutions can address even the most challenging hygiene and safety issues. ENVSS staff will work with you to create an effective and workable hygiene management system for your workplace, which is essential in order to meet site and legislative requirements.
An ENVSS hygiene assessment includes:
- Qualitative and quantitative surveying
- Inspections
- Personal exposure monitoring for employees
We staff trained and accredited Mine Air Quality Technicians who can conduct sampling in accordance with Australian standards. We are also able to fulfil the statutory Mine Air Quality Officer position, assisting you in reporting site data to the DEMIRS.
If you would be like more information about workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants or any other occupational hygiene services, please contact us at [email protected] or on (08) 9355 4010.
Occupational Hygiene
Occupational hygiene entails identifying, evaluating, and managing workplace environmental risks to health. Our services cater to diverse needs, crafting solutions for complex hygiene and safety challenges. Our expert staff collaborates with you to implement effective hygiene management systems, crucial for meeting site and legal standards.
Asbestos & HAZMAT
We are a Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA) and provide hazardous material management to building owners, property developers and facility managers to meet specific client requirements including identification and risk assessment of hazardous materials, development of detailed hazardous material management plans and supervision of hazardous material remediation works.
Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring services are tailored to your needs, ranging from ENVSS staff attended monitoring to autonomous stations with remote telemetry and alerts. You can access real-time data, make informed decisions, and generate reports via our Client Portal. We understand industry demand and meet client expectations by building our equipment to be flexible, mobile, efficient, accurate and robust.
Noise & Vibration Monitoring
Our noise and vibration services cover both regulatory compliance and occupational health, with services ranging from noise monitoring, blast monitoring, earplug fit testing, human vibration testing and more. Our monitoring devices are set and forget with remote software, allowing us to capture a wealth of data spread over a timeline of your choosing.
WHY CHOOSE US?
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LICENSED
Environmental Site Services use only trained, licensed asbestos assessors and occupational hygienists -
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Our airborne fibre monitoring service is available all day, every day -
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Same Day turnaround available 7 days a week -
AUSTRALIA WIDE
Investigations and remediation services metro and regional areas -
NATA ACCREDITED TESTING
NATA accredited volumetric sampling and analysis -
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Comprehensive report, guaranteed!