Face fit testing for returning to work in the dentistry sector

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Dentists in the UK are set to reopen soon, following guidance set out by the government. Wearing personal protective equipment including FFP3 Face masks, is one part of how to stay safe while treating patients.

If you are a dentist or work in a dentist practice, Envirochem is here to help you get back to work safely and with the certainty to be able to treat your dental patients knowing you are protected. We provide face fit training and face fit testing for all types of businesses and individuals.  For more information please fill out the form below or call us on 01329 287 777

 

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Worried about the quality or reliability of results if you need testing?

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Worried about the quality or reliability of results if you need testing? Well here at Envirochem we provide only the highest quality of accurate and professional testing and you can have faith in our results as we are UKAS Accredited. https://envirochem.co.uk/quality

For more information or to get in contact please fill out the form below or call on 01329 287 777.

 

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Face fit machine at the University Hospital Southampton

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Last week we gladly gave our face fit machine to the University Hospital Southampton to ensure their face masks were properly fitted, we have now been sent pictures of several NHS staff members being fitted with masks. Now more than ever, it is great to see our hard-working NHS staff having properly fitted PPE to ensure their safety. Thank you once again for all your hard work. Everyone at Envirochem will be clapping at 8pm.

 

Face fit machine at the University Hospital Southampton

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Envirochem would like to thank all of the hardworking NHS staff for everything they are doing across the country for us all during this difficult time. We are humbled to have been able to help the University Hospital Southampton, by giving them our face fit machine to ensure all their staff have properly fitted face masks. Thank you for all you are doing NHS!

Business as usual for asbestos, chemical and microbiological testing

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Business as usual for asbestos, chemical and microbiological testing.

 

Envirochem is continuing to provide “business as usual” services for clients from its laboratories in Fareham and Bristol.

 

The labs will continue to analyse samples on behalf of clients and new customers during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The company will be adapting to any changes as and when the government requires it.

 

The laboratories are continuing to test for:

 

  • Asbestos
  • Chemicals
  • COSHH – including dust, noise, exhaust gases and dispersed oil
  • Environmental monitoring – including noise and vibration, air quality and emissions testing.
  • Water and legionella microbiological testing.

 

We are continuing to sell self-sampling kits for people who may be considering doing some work at home or at another location during the current pandemic.

 

The self sampling kits cover test packs for:

 

  • Asbestos
  • Legionella
  • Lead in Paint
  • Arsenic in Paint
  • Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC)
  • Indoor air quality
  • Swimming pool and spa pool analysis
  • Water leak source investigation
  • Domestic heating water testing

 

Details of all the analysis and tests that can be carried out at the Envirochem laboratories can be found on our website – envirochem.co.uk

 

We are pleased to announce Ella and Chloe have successfully passed their P401 Exam

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We are pleased to announce Ella and Chloe have successfully passed their P401 Exam (Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples (PLM)), joining our Asbestos bulks lab. Congratulations!

 

 

Find out more about our Asbestos Lab here: https://envirochem.co.uk/

Water testing on the banks of the River Hamble

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Recently our team have been on site at sunny Universal Marina undertaking some water testing on the banks of the River Hamble.

 

For more information regarding water testing please follow the link below;

 

https://envirochem.co.uk/microbiology/water-testing-services.html

 

For more information please fill out the form below;

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We are investing in New Technology for Water Contamination Testing

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We currently provide scientific analysis services in our high tech laboratories in Broadcut in Fareham, testing for asbestos, lead in paint, air quality, and water-borne diseases such as legionella. We have now invested in equipment that will be able to detect minute contaminants in water.

 

The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer from Shimadzu is used for ultra-low level detection of metals and semi-metals in groundwater, rivers, effluent and drinking water. It is capable of detecting less than one particle in one trillion.

 

This is a major investment in technology for the business and will put us right at the forefront of this sector in the south of England.

 

We already have an enviable reputation for the quality of our testing and analysis of all sorts of environmental and microbiological samples – all nationally accredited through the UK Accreditation Service. This investment takes us to the next level.

 

We will mainly be using this instrument for drinking water testing and it will enable us to test to the very highest standards of quality as determined by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

 

With the ICP-MS, we’ll be testing for metals such as lead, arsenic, antimony, mercury and cadmium in water samples for our clients.

 

The flame in the new equipment burns as hot as the surface of the sun – 6,000 degrees Centigrade – during the analysis process.

 

The ICP-MS equipment is being built in Japan and is expected to be delivered and commissioned in the our laboratory before the end of the year.

 

Lara Johnson from Shimadzu said: “We have been working with Envirochem since 2012, when the first total organic carbon analyser was purchased. We are delighted to be working together again, for the fourth time, on the delivery and installation of the new ICP-MS system.”

What can I do to help reduce air pollution?

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Air pollution can cause all matter of problems – from short-term effects like headaches and dizziness, to long-term problems such as respiratory issues and some cancers.

 

As a team of air quality scientists, we regularly see the effects of air pollution – predominantly increased levels of Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) and particulate, which are just a small number of the toxic substances that pollute our air.

 

We’ve put together a few ways that – little by little – we can all help reduce air pollution.

It starts at home:

Leaving lights switched on, appliances plugged in, and taking baths use large amounts of energy, which all contribute to air pollution. Making small changes – like making the most of natural light, ensuring everything is switched off before leaving the house or when it’s not in use, and opting for a quick shower instead of a bath can all make a difference!

 

Re-think your journey:

 

Cars are one of the top causes of air pollution – emissions released by cars and the production of fuel are huge contributors to the polluted air we breathe. Driving is often a necessity, especially if you don’t live in the city, but have a think about the times when it’s not. Can you lift share? Walk, cycle or use public transport? Reduce the amount of car journeys you take per week? Small changes make a big difference.

 

Amend your shopping list:

 

The production of processed foods, packaging and products all take their toll on the air we breathe every day. While producers should be taking it upon themselves to develop products in a way that is as un-harmful as possible, consumers can also do their bit by purchasing responsibly. Buying fresh, cooking from scratch more often, eating fewer meat and dairy products, and using cleaning chemical-free cleaning products are all a great start.

 

Helping to reduce your own contributions to air pollution is a great starting point to ensure we are on track for cleaner, safer air.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your home or in your local area, get in touch with the Envirochem team today to find out about our air quality and emissions testing.

 

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Check your home for these four things before starting a DIY project

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If you’re a landlord or a homeowner, a long weekend often means extra time for DIY projects you’ve been meaning to start. Before you do – there are a few things we recommend you check. We’ve compiled a handy checklist of some things to look out for so you can ensure your property is fit for renovation.

1.)  Asbestos

What is it?

Until the late 20th century, asbestos was widely used in building projects – particularly for insulation. The dust created by damaging asbestos can be extremely harmful, and has been known to cause cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Where is it?

While asbestos regulations started to improve in the mid-80’s, a fully-fledged ban was not introduced in the UK until 2009. If your house was built before this time, asbestos may have been used in its initial build – from insulation in the loft and interior walls to the floors and ceilings.
How can we help?

If you suspect there is asbestos in your property, it is important to test for its presence before damaging it – by drilling into it, ripping it out, or even hammering a nail into it. We provide self-test kits so you can safely and easily test for asbestos. Alternatively, our team of expert scientists are also available for call-outs.

2.)  Lead and arsenic in paint

What is it?

Lead and arsenic are substances that were commonly found in paint before their dangers were realised. Lead was popular because it helped accelerate the paint drying process – however, exposure to lead dust was found to cause abdominal pain, headaches and memory problems, among other issues. Arsenic was commonly found in a shade known as ‘Scheele’s Green’, but it was later found to cause arsenic poisoning, which can lead to vomiting and abdominal pain.

Where is it?

Any paint containing lead or arsenic that has chipped off or been scratched can release harmful dust. This can be both inside and outside your house, on skirting boards, in soil and other places.

 

How can we help?

There is no sure-fire way to know if paint contains lead or arsenic without testing for it. Our self-test kits enable you to test for the substances. If you suspect the paint in your home could be harmful, testing it is always the safest option. We can get results back to you in as little as three days.

 

3.) Harmful bacteria in water and water systems

 

What is it?

Water can be home to a number of harmful bacteria – this includes Legionella, which causes a form of pneumonia called Legionnaires disease.

Where is it?

Legionella lives in water – and thrives in temperatures between 20 and 60 degrees celsius. This makes places like dishwashers, hot tubs, pools and domestic water systems the perfect environment for Legionella to lurk.

 

How can we help?

Regularly testing the water systems in your property can help you ensure you or your tenants are not being exposed to Legionella. Our self-test kits can find the bacteria, as well as help you identify a leak source, and find the cause of corrosion.
4.) Indoor air quality

 

What is it?

During home renovations, you are exposed to a number of harmful substances that stay in the air you breathe every day.

Where is it?

Products like paints and varnishes, cleaning agents, and glues can contaminate the air and become a health hazard. Over-exposure to these can lead to headaches, dizziness and nausea.
How can we help?

Our indoor air quality tests help ensure the exposure levels are safe for anyone working or living in the environment. The self-test kit includes detailed and easy-to follow instructions.

Envirochem recommends testing your home before making any DIY decision or starting a renovation project. If for any reason you would prefer for a member of the team to visit the site and carry out tests, you can get in touch with us via the contact form below.