AWN Consulting was commissioned to conduct a survey of the volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metal concentrations at a lathe in Dublin. The surveys were conducted in order to ensure that air quality meets the relevant occupational health and safety standards.

The survey was undertaken over a four hour period in November 2011. Monitoring was carried out for a suite of 49 VOCs and 18 metals. The VOC monitoring was undertaken in accordance with NIOSH Method 2549 and the metals monitoring in accordance with NIOSH Method 7300.

Metals sampling was carried out by means of an SKC® Universal Sampling Pump coupled with an IOM sampling head and filter. VOC sampling was carried out by means of an SKC® Universal Sampling Pump coupled with a multibed sorbent tube. Two VOC and two metals samples were taken and the tubes and filters were sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis.

The Health & Safety Authority have set OEL values for a range of compounds in order to provide a basis for ensuring that exposure to airborne contaminants in the workplace is controlled in such a way as to prevent adverse health effects. These OELs are detailed in the NAOSH 2010 Code of Practice for the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001.

Once the survey was complete, AWN analysed the data and presented it in both tabular and graphical form, along with a technical report. The report contains a discussion on the significance of the results and comparison with the relevant standards. Where required, mitigation measures are included if results indicate a potential health and safety risk.

Our team has experience working on a range of occupational health and safety assessments. Monitoring can be conducted for a wide array of compounds. Examples of some of these compounds are provided below:

· Asbestos

· Respirable and Total Dust

· Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

· Flour Dust

· Fungal Spores

· Metals

· Hydrocarbons