How dust sampling can save construction companies from fines?

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.

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Construction sites contributing towards air pollution in cities

Construction sites contributing towards air pollution in cities

It is now well understood and recognised that vehicles are a major source of air pollution in our cities. Diesels are identified as the biggest culprits with emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxides) and PM (particulate matter). The poor air quality in the UK is linked to 40,000 deaths every year.

However, recent and detailed air quality studies in the UK have identified that constructions sites are responsible for a significant portion of the total air pollution. They make up 7.5% of NOx emissions, 8% of PM10 and 14.5% of PM2.5 which is the most harmful.

This article suggests that construction sites should start treating emissions in a similar way to asbestos with tighter controls and regulation.

Read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/apr/20/air-pollution-construction-industry-cities-diesel-emissions-london

 

 

Envirochem offer a range of air quality surveys, for more information please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

 

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Wood Burning Stove Pollution in London

Wood burning stoves could be banned in our capital in certain highly polluted areas. The burning of wood releases fine particles that are harmful to human health. It is noted that some exceptions may be made for the more modern and efficient wood burning stoves with the main focus on reducing inefficient open fires.

This is part of a wider plan to improve air quality in London through limiting emissions from boats, cars, diesel powered machinery from building sites and from construction work itself.

Read more about it here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/sadiq-khan-ban-wood-burning-stoves-london-air-pollution-fires-mayor-smog-a7973576.html

Here at Enviorchem, we can carry out Emissions testing and Air quality surveys;

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

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Air Quality is a serious Issue in the UK and across the world.

Air quality is a serious issue in the UK and across the world. Recently a cricket match between India and Sri Lanka was halted due to poor air quality that was recorded at 15 times that of the World Health Organisation toxicity maximum. Players where leaving the field vomiting and had to wear masks to reduce the impact on their health.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/03/the-guardian-view-on-delhis-pollution-when-smog-stops-play

More needs to be done about air quality across the world, including the UK.  With potential sources from vehicles, manufacturing and construction everybody needs to do their bit in limiting harmful emissions. One of the first steps to combat these issues is to monitor different air pollutants and protect those most likely to be harmed.

Envirochem can carry out a variety of air quality monitoring and surveys, for more information on this and all our services please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

 

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