Paint sampling for analysing the concentration of lead

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As part of a major refurbishment project, we were asked by a company in Portsmouth to undertake paint sampling, for analysing the concentration of lead. This is so the paint is able to be safely disposed of, as well as protecting the employees carrying out the works by knowing the correct PPE to wear. We also do a paint suite which tests for cadmium, chromium and lead which are commonly found within paints and are heavy metals.

 

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

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Emission test for fluoride and particulates

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Recently in Southampton we carried out an emission test for fluoride and particulates. This is a different method compared to our normal emission testing, which requires impingers and condensers to capture the concentration of fluoride found within the emission stack. This method also takes three hours compared to the normal 30 minute sampling due to the different techniques involved.

 

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

 

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Face fit testing

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Here at Envirochem we offer Face Fit Testing, available on-site or at our laboratory for full-face, half-face, ori-nasal and P3 disposable masks.

An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided by the RPE and may lead to serious immediate and long-term health problems.

The performance of all RPE face pieces, whether operating by negative pressure, power assistance or compressed air, relies heavily on the quality of fit of the face piece to the wearer’s face.

Fit Testing is available on-site or at our laboratory for full-face, half-face, ori-nasal and P3 disposable masks. Additionally we offer training in the correct use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Additionally, we offer training in the correct use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

For more on this 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

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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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Nosie and Vibration Surveys

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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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Sickness in the Office…

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Sickness in the Office…

Envirochem were recently approached by a television production company who were concerned about sickness within the office and needed some monitoring carried out to determine whether the source of the sickness was the building itself or other factors. In a similar case, we were approached by a medical centre after people had felt unwell in a certain area of the facility.

For the first case, the client requested humidity and temperature readings along with tests for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to rule out several potential reasons for the persistent sickness, such as a faulty air conditioning system.

For the second case, we were requested to carry out tests for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and for bioaerosols for similar reasons to the first case.

At Envirochem we are able to carry out tailored occupational monitoring, sampling and analysis, providing a bespoke service for each individual client.

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

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New GC-MS and GC-ECD

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New GC-MS and GC-ECD

Our laboratory now boasts a new Gas Chromatograph – linked Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and a new gas chromatograph with electron capture detector (GC-ECD)

These two new instruments both increase and update our laboratories capabilities.

The new GC-MS is more sensitive and is equipped with a splitter allowing one injected sample to be separated on the column and then analysed by mass spectrometry for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as simultaneously being analysed for petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, mineral oil).

The PAHs are tested either as total or speciated (EPA 16), similarly the hydrocarbons are tested as total or speciated or banded (CWG banding with aromatic / aliphatic split)

This new GC-MS / FID is therefore allows two analyses to be run at the same time on the same sample. Doubling our throughput, and reducing turnaround times for both soil and water extracts.

The new GC-MS also allows more rapid analysis of Coal Tar samples.

New method development is under way on the GC-ECD that will allow massively improved detection limits for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides in water.

 

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

 

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RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RPE) FIT TESTING

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RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RPE) FIT TESTING

An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided by the RPE and may lead to serious immediate and long-term health problems.

The performance of all RPE face pieces, whether operating by negative pressure, power assistance or compressed air, relies heavily on the quality of fit of the face piece to the wearer’s face.

RPE testing

Fit Testing is available on-site or at our laboratory for full-face, half-face, ori-nasal and P3 disposable masks. Additionally we offer training in the correct use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all employers to take satisfactory precautions to protect their employees in the workplace.

Under the revised Health and Safety Executive Legislation (2002), fit test reports should be available for all employees who wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE) incorporating tight fitting face pieces. Fit test records should be retained by the employer and be available for inspection upon request.

Regulation 11 of the control of asbestos regulations (2012) states that fit testing of face pieces must be pertained for tight fitting face pieces. Repeat testing is required when changing size or model of RPE, or with significant changes in facial characteristics of the wearer. The HSE recommend that fit retesting be carried out on a regular basis, especially for workers involved in licensed asbestos removals.

One of our occupation team was recently up in Cardiff at the Brunel House

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One of our occupation team was recently up in Cardiff at the Brunel House. We attended site following the cleanup of a sewage leak that spread throughout the bottom basement floor. Whilst on site we took bio-aerosols within each of the separate rooms where the leak spread to make sure all airborne bacteria had also been removed from the cleaning.

 

For more on this and all our services please call us on 01329 287  777 or fill in our contact form below;

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Colourimetric tests

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Alkalinity, also known as acid capacity, is one of many colourimetric tests that Envirochem offers. This measures how much acid the solution can absorb before its pH is changed. This test is used in concrete water and waste water. Biological organisms required for wastewater treatment are most effective at a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7-8). In order to maintain this pH the wastewater needs sufficient alkalinity to neutralise acids produced by the biological organisms.

 

For more on this or all our services please fill out the form below;

 

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