Hazardous Substances Manchester

Hazardous Substances Assessment in Ashton-under-Lyne

This Hazardous Substances Assessment project carried out in Ashton-under-Lyne looked at how everyday work activities may expose employees to airborne materials generated during normal production processes. The aim was pretty straightforward — understand where exposure to substances hazardous to health could occur, and whether existing working practices were doing enough to keep people safe over the course of a typical shift 

From site observations, it became clear that certain tasks — particularly those involving the handling or mixing of raw materials — created visible dust clouds in some work areas. While not every role was affected in the same way, the assessment helped identify groups of employees who may experience higher levels of exposure simply due to how frequently they carry out these tasks during the working day 

The project also reviewed general ventilation arrangements, cleaning practices, and the availability of personal protective equipment on site. In some areas, existing controls were found to be adequate, but in others, there was scope to improve dust management through better containment, housekeeping practices, or changes to how certain processes are carried out.

Overall, this COSHH-aligned assessment provides a useful snapshot of workplace exposure risks at the time of survey and highlights practical steps that can help reduce employee contact with hazardous substances moving forward.

Hazardous Substance Assessment in Manchester

Sysco Environmental carried out a hazardous substance assessment at a facility in Manchester to evaluate workers' exposure to harmful materials. This was part of an ongoing commitment to comply with health and safety regulations. The focus was on assessing the air quality and identifying any potential risks from substances like cobalt, nickel, and various dust particles in the work environment.

The assessment revealed that workers in the deburr area are exposed to these hazardous substances, particularly nickel, though the levels were below legal exposure limits. However, improvements were recommended to further reduce exposure, especially since nickel poses a significant risk when it exceeds 10% of its workplace exposure limit.

The report highlighted the importance of using Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems more consistently, as they help control dust and contaminant levels. Additionally, better cleaning practices were suggested to minimise dust clouds, particularly avoiding dry sweeping. Ensuring workers are properly trained in using protective gear and equipment was another key recommendation.

Overall, the assessment provided a clear path forward, offering practical steps to reduce exposure to hazardous substances, protect workers' health, and ensure compliance with relevant safety standards.