Environmental Monitoring

LEV measurements and design

A legal requirement under the COSHH regulations is the testing and maintenance of all control measures used to reduce exposure to hazardous substances. ESL can design Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems for controlling airborne contaminants and can carry out the necessary regular testing of such systems. Measurements will include face velocity, static pressure, pressure differential across filters, air temperature, fan speed etc.

Environmental pollution monitoring….

This includes indoor and stack monitoring. Indoor monitoring may be necessary to comply with the requirement of the COSHH regulations for monitoring of the exposure levels of personnel to hazardous substances including fumes, dusts and gases. Monitoring methods used are based on current HSE preferred techniques. 

Environmental Protection Legislation (EPA 1990) requires emissions from stacks to atmosphere to be monitored. This includes monitoring of VOCs, gases and particulates (e.g. isokinetic sampling) from stacks. Other parameters such as duct and stack velocity are also included. An on-going programme can be arranged. 

Airflow measurement and modelling….

The overall amount of air entering and leaving a building is of fundamental importance in assessing the working environment. The traditional way of determining air movement is to measure the bulk of airflow through the area. ESL can carry out not only the airflow measurement but also modelling of airflow in a building. Such modelling enables areas of thermal comfort, dead zones, and draughty areas to be identified quickly so that appropriate improvements can be put in place.

Indoor air quality (IAQ)…

The adverse publicity, absenteeism and reduced productivity associated with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) has highlighted the need for improved air quality. To help ensure that air conditioning / handling systems provide, and continue to provide, a hygienic and quality indoor air supply, ESL can offer the following range of services:

• Surveys and risk assessments of air handling units.
• Ventilation and thermal environment surveys.
• Routine monitoring of indoor air quality.
• On-going monitoring programmes to meet specific client needs.

Laboratory analytical services….

ESL has a special relationship with Mountain Heath Laboratory who specialise in analytical chemistry and have NAMAS accreditation. Analytical techniques available from this service include Gas Chromatography, HPLC etc. ESL can also arrange toxicological testing in conjunction with an associated laboratory.

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Noise measurements….

Did you know that new UK noise regulations came into force early 2006? 

Under the European Directive 2003/10/EC (which came into force on 15 February 2003 replacing Directive 86/188/EEC) organisations must now work in relation to noise by lowering the exposure level action values to 80 and 85 dB(A) respectively.

Under the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 the first action level is a daily personal noise exposure of 85 dB(A), the second action level is a daily personal noise exposure of 90 dB(A), and the peak is at a pressure of 200 Pascals.

Under the new legislation, the first action level is reduced to 80 dB(A) with a peak value of just 112 Pascals, the second action level is reduced from 90dB(A) to  85 dB(A) with a PEL of 140 Pascals.  Under the current consultation period there are further proposals as to the limit of 87 dB(A) with a 200 Pascal peak. 

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