UKAS ACCREDITED ASBESTOS IN SOIL TESTING / QUANTIFICATION

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Here at Envirochem, we offer UKAS accredited quantification of asbestos in soil. 

Analysis will identify:

  • The presence of asbestos
  • The asbestos product type
  • The percentage of asbestos present within the sample
  • Documented values to enable the client to interpret the results to their specific requirements

Analysis will enable the end user to:

  •  Assist with the determination of the Waste Acceptance Criteria
  •  Identify potential for asbestos exposure adjacent to contaminated land
  •  Identify the total percentage of asbestos present in the sample

We have a dedication team of analysts, fast turnarounds and over 30 years experience.

To find out more or contact us, call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below:

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Environmental Perimeter Monitoring in Canary Wharf, London.

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We have this week been working with one of our longstanding clients in Canary Wharf during the demolition of the building in the picture above.

What are we doing?

We have set up 3 perimeter particulate monitors on site measuring PM10 levels before the demolition phase and during the demolition.

What does this give us?

This way we can determine background readings within the area prior to the demolition to assess whether any limits are breached during the demolition and if they could be attributed to external factors or as a direct result of work on site.

The monitors are located on the perimeter of the demolition site, on sides that are neighbouring housing, businesses or roads and areas that the public readily use.

Benefits to the client.

The client has been set up to receive live alerts direct to the site manager’s mobile and email if a limit is exceeded, to ensure they can rectify any of the activities causing the issue at source.

The limits used are in accordance with the Tower Hamlets Environmental Protection Division Guidance. We will be sending monthly reports to our client who in turn will pass this on to Tower Hamlets EPO. Tower Hamlets will also be notified of any exceedances within 24 hours of the alert. This way our client is constantly aware of the levels and stays compliant with them.

For more information and to contact us about all our Occupational Hygiene Services please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the for below:

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High Level and Confined Spaces

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Here at Envirochem we undertake Management and Major Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Surveys in accordance with our UKAS accreditation based upon HSE Guidance Note Asbestos: The survey guide (HSG 264). We also undertake Re-inspection Surveys of buildings which have previously undergone Management Asbestos Surveys.

If that includes high level access or a confined space that’s no problem, we have a range of tools and equipment that our expertly trained staff can use to access nearly any space.

Asbestos Surveys are quoted on an individual basis. For a free quotation please contact us with as much detail as possible about the scope of your project including the size, age, usage, location and any other relevant information about the property.

    For more information on our services and how we can tailor them to any requirement call us today or fill out the form below.

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    The Contamination & Geotech Expo 2021

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    Next week we will be at The Contamination & Geotech Expo, find us at stand 4-G100!

     

    We have a wide range of services and analytical testing options that we can provide and tailor to our clients requirements. Come and meet us to find out more.

     

     

    Where is Lead found?

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    Why is Lead in paint?

    Lead was used in paint to help speed up the drying process but also for visual properties. It also increased the durability of paint once applied.

     

    Why test for Lead in paint?

     

    The body can absorb lead that is breathed in, such as in the form of dust or fumes and if you swallow anything containing lead.

    Exposure can lead to changes in your blood which may cause anaemia and it can have effects on your nervous system and kidneys.

     

    Who should test?

    Those at the highest risk of exposure are those that carry out industrial processes such as blast/burning removal of lead paint, lead smelting and many more that create lead dust, vapour or fumes.

    However, even individuals or contractors stripping lead paint from windows, doors and frames from homes and workplaces can lead to exposure.

     

    What we can offer:

    Envirochem can offer UKAS accredited Lead in paint analysis and we can attend site and sample for you or alternatively we offer self-sampling kits for you to sample yourself to send to us for analysis.

     

    For more information please contact us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below:

     

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    Controlled Demolition at Fawley Power Station

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    Last week our analysts supported Brown and mason in the controlled demolition of another building at the Fawley Power Station.

     

    Envirochem’s expert analysts were on site carrying out perimeter monitoring during the demolition and then we will now be monitoring whilst the rubble is cleared to ensure all safety measures are met. 

     

    For more information or to speak to us about our services please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

     

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    Asbestos Awareness Training

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    If you work in a trade such as demolition and those in the refurbishment, maintenance and similar trades where it is foreseeable that your work will disturb the structure of the building, asbestos awareness training for all staff is essential!

     

    Here at Envirochem we can provide full awareness training courses at both our premises. Find out more:

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

     

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    We’re Expanding Our Occupational Hygiene Department!

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    Here at Envirochem, we’re expanding our Occupational Hygiene Department and are pleased to welcome our new Head of Department Sam, along with a new Van to add to the fleet.

    Within the department we can offer a wide range of sampling/analysis and consultation, including but not limited to:

    • Noise and Vibration Surveys – With our wide range of instrumentation we can gather analytical data concerning the impact of noise and vibration for demolition sites.

     

    • UKAS accredited sampling & analysis of total inhalable & respirable dusts – We are happy to undertake site visits, sampling and analysis, to meet the needs of our clients.

     

    • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) testing – (LEV) checks help control the release of hazardous airborne substances from a process into the workplace environment.

     

    • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) testing – The main aim of VOC analysis is to identify the types of VOCs present and their concentrations in work place environment.

     

    • Emissions testing for stack monitoring to technical guidance notes M1 and M2.

     

    • Air quality surveys.

     

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

     

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    Lead in paint in your home – what you need to know

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    Lead in paint your home – what you need to know

     

    Was your home built before 1978? If so there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. Lead paint is still present in millions of homes and sometimes under layers of newer paint. Here’s what you need to know if you find lead paint in your home.

     

    Lead paint is usually not a problem, providing that the paint is in good shape. Deteriorating lead-based paint – for example peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged or damp – is however a hazard and will need immediate attention.

     

    Where is it found?

     

    As well as being found under layers of newer paints, it can also be hazardous when found on surfaces that get a lot of wear-and-tear. For example windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, skirting boards and porches.

     

    Lead is naturally occurring, and can be found in high concentrations in some areas for example soil, gardens and playgrounds.

     

    In a well-maintained home, lead in dust can still be an issue. When lead-based paint is scraped, canned or heated during DIY activities lead dust can form.

     

    Lead can also be found in many products including, painted toys, furniture, toy jewellery, food or liquid containers, cosmetic and plumbing products.

     

    Drinking water can also be affected by lead, it can enter drinking water through corrosed pipes.

     

    Who’s at risk?

     

    Children and adults, including pregnant women, are at risk from lead poisoning. Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do. Children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

     

    A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.

     

    How to lower the risk from lead paint and make your home safe

     

    There are many simple steps that will go a long way in preventing lead exposure, for example:

     

    • inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration
    • keep your home clean and dust-free
    • clean around painted areas where friction can generate dust, such as doors, windows, and drawers
    • wash children’s hands, bottles, and toys often
    • encourage children to wipe and remove their shoes and wash hands after playing outdoors.

     

    How Envirochem can help with lead paint

    It is important to have your home tested for lead if it was built before 1978. There are two ways to get your home checked, the first is a paint inspection.

     

    We have 25 years experience in assessing chemical risks in buildings. When our team conducts a paint inspection, they are able to tell you the lead content of every different type of painted surface in your home. However from a paint inspection we are unable to tell you if the paint is a hazard. This test is appropriate when you are buying or renting a homeland before you do any DIY, and will help you to determine how to maintain your house for lead safety.

     

    The second test that our team can carry out for your home is a risk assessment. This test allows our team to tell you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure such as peeling paint and lead dust. We will then provide you with information on what actions to take to address the hazards.

     

    Get in touch with our team today to discover how our services can help keep you safe.

     

    How dust sampling can save construction companies from fines?

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    How dust sampling can save construction companies from fines?

    Dust is an unavoidable part of construction and demolition. However, processes can be put in place to reduce the amount of dust contamination and risk to the surrounding environment. Close and real-time dust sampling plays an important role in this.

    Here’s how:

    Dust sampling clears a construction company from wrong doing

    Dust sampling proved critical for a construction company working at a hospital in Inverness[http://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/24142/contractor-cleared-causing-dust-contamination-inverness-hospital/] recently. A number of operations at the hospital had to be postponed after dust was found in the operating theatres.

    Initially it was thought the dust was coming from building work happening in the hospital but testing revealed that this was not the direct source, clearing the construction company of causing the contamination and having to pay a hefty penalty.

    Dust sample testing

    This case study demonstrates how important it is to have real-time monitoring of dust at construction sites, both for the assurance of the client and contractor. There are a couple of different types of monitoring available:

    • Static monitors – these can be placed almost anywhere, and can collect physical samples of airborne dust particles. This data can be used to see how much dust individual site operatives are exposed to, or be analysed to determine chemical composition of airborne particles.
    • Settleable dust sampling – static samplers collect airborne dust and measure how much has gathered over a time period. Samples can also be analysed to determine their chemical composition.

    At Environchem we have decades of experience in providing both types of dust sampling and monitoring to contractors. For information on our services please fill out the contact form below or call us on 01329 287 777.

    Contact Envirochem now
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