Workplace Air Quality Berkshire

Hazardous Substance Assessment in Reading

In November 2024, our team carried out a Hazardous Substance Assessment at a laboratory in Reading to check employee exposure to potentially harmful substances. The focus was on air quality in work areas where soil and sludge samples are processed, ensuring that dust and chemical exposure remained within safe limits.

The good news? All tested substances were well below Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs), meaning there’s no immediate risk. However, certain tasks like soil grinding and sludge processing—produce airborne dust that, over time, could pose a concern if not properly managed. While the facility already uses local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems and fume cabinets, a few small tweaks could further reduce exposure.

The report suggested improving ventilation around soil pouring stations, switching from dry sweeping to vacuum-based cleaning and ensuring all employees use properly fitted respiratory protection when needed. These easy-to-implement changes will help maintain air quality and keep the workplace even safer.

By staying proactive with regular monitoring and control measures, the site can continue to provide a healthy and compliant working environment for all employees.