Phosphate – Ion chromatography

Phosphate is a good compound to have in soil as it helps plants grow and is commonly found in fertiliser, its availability may govern the rate of growth of plants. We test for it using an Ion chromatography. High levels of phosphate are good for topsoil, but it does not have a limit for WACs, effluent and processed water. Phosphate is an important component in the structure of DNA, it forms the backbone of DNA by bonding with sugar molecules. Phosphate is the most soluble form of phosphorus in water.

 

For more information on this service and all our services please fill out the form below or call on 01329 287 777

 

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Checking gas levels with our Portable Dreager gas detector

A local client in Southampton has recently installed a new oven for a more efficient drying process with their manufacturer.

Since the installation their air compressor does not draw in enough cold air to circulate within air fed masks used by the colleagues, and thought the installation could be the cause. We were asked to check the gas levels within the air being produced from the compressor to make sure the levels were adequate. Carbon dioxide and Oxygen levels were measured using our portable Dreager gas detector to measure and record the levels across a work week period.

Using our Dreager we can test for sulphur dioxide, methane as well.

 

For more on this service and all our services please call on 01329 287  777 or fill out the form below;

 

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Personal Air testing for Silica Content

A new client works within the electromagnet industry providing parts for MRI scanners. We visited their site which contains several units moving through the process from raw metal materials to the coiled magnet itself.

A new process involves mica tapes to wrap copper metal for the magnet. We carried out personal air testing for silica content and also inhalable and respirable mica particles due to the chemical having two EH40 limits, to make sure the employee was not subjected over the workplace levels.

 

For more information on this service and all our other services please do not hesitate to contact us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

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Monitoring within a gas turbine engine

Last week we visited a local aircraft parts operator, to carry out monitoring within a gas turbine engine.

We carried out gases checks for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide using our Dreager gas detector and also checked for particulates and VOCS whilst it was running.

 


What to do if you find asbestos in your house

If the case is you are living in a house which was constructed before 1980, there is a high chance it will have asbestos in it. Unfortunately, asbestos fibres are so fine (700-1000 times finer than that of hair) they are not visible through naked eyes. Therefore the only way to identify them, or find out whether your house actually has asbestos, is to look for probable places asbestos was used and then consult a laboratory and licensed inspector to test it.

If you are suspicious of asbestos being present in your house and want to test for asbestos in your home, call a licensed asbestos inspector. Here at Envirochem will can come out to your property and take a sample of any suspicious material. They will also advise you to take precautions while it is done, such as removing furniture, etc. The sample is  then tested in our UKAS accredited laboratory for asbestos.

For more on our asbestos services please fill out the form below or call us on 01329 287 777

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Monitoring lead in air

A new client of Envirochem within the oil and gas industry, have contacted our occupational hygiene team to help with monitoring lead in air.

This is while their contracted workforce are stripping and servicing old storage tanks ready to be used again. We have set up both personal and static background monitoring within the tanks, and all activity in and out of each tank across the day is logged to work out the personal exposure.

We will now analysis the samples back at our lab to check the dust concentration of both inhalable and respirable dust, as well as metal content using our ICP-OES, with the primary focus being the lead concentration.


Nosie and Vibration Surveys

We have an array of new instrumentation which can be used to gather analytical data concerning the impact of Noise & Vibration, caused by demolition projects, construction works or other high impact site activities, on the local and surrounding environment.

Reports can be issued at any frequency required and consist of an explanation of the report’s purpose, an annotated graphical site overview of sampling locations, method statements and control limits, summarised statistical analysis of results, and conclusions and recommendations.

We can offer a variety of surveys –

  • Background Noise & Vibration Surveys
  • Noise & Vibration Surveys
  • Real Time Monitoring

For more on this please call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

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We offer testing for a range of Anions

Chloride is the anion of Chlorine and is very soluble in water; it is an important part of sea water and table salt. Chloride is often tested for in various water and soil samples, residues after fires and in concrete water.

When plastics burn in the event of a fire they can produce chloride. The chloride can then settle on surfaces, such as concrete, it then absorbs water and creates a corrosive substance that can attack the structure of the building.

We also offer testing for other anions such as Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite, Bromide, Phosphate, Sulphate and Sulphide.

For more on this service please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

 

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Vehicle fume monitoring

This week we have teamed up with our local council to carry out vehicle fume monitoring, within a maintenance workshop located in a car park. This was to analysis the exposure to nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulates that are produced from the cars and then diffuses into the workshop where several employees work.

This is initial monitoring using gas diffusion tubes and also a particulate monitor which are set up for a week, to identify the current levels of the fumes. From this further monitoring will take place and even a plan for a new extraction system to elevate the concerns for the employees; depending on the results of the analysis.

For more on this please call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below

 

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Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing

The continued and increasingly widespread occurrence of occupational related lung diseases in the UK has lead to stringent guidelines and requirements for Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).

Nearly a decade ago in May 2008, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published a new guide (HSG258) on LEV for various occupations, such as designers, installers and examiners, as well as guidance for employers and their employees who depend on sufficient LEV for their wellbeing.

COSHH regulations require that all LEV systems to be tested every 14 months to ensure that they are operating well enough to protect workers who depend on these systems for their safety. Systems that require testing include all oil mist, welding fume, smoke and dust extraction units. These examinations must be undertaken by competent personnel who work and provide reports according to HSE standards. Inadequate testing can result in employers being prosecuted, insurance being invalidated and employees getting ill.

For nearly 30 years Envirochem has provided comprehensive LEV testing in accordance with HSG258 guidelines. An Envirochem examination measures air flow speed (velocity) of air being extracted from the source and in the ductwork. These results are then compared to recommended velocities set by the HSE. Our vast experience in the area of occupation hygiene allows us to provide practical advice and recommendations.

 

For more on this service please fill out the form below or call us on 01329 287 777

 

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