Hazardous Substances Oxfordshire

Hazardous Substances Assessment in Oxfordshire

This hazardous substances assessment project in Oxfordshire looked at how day-to-day work in a busy stone processing environment might expose employees to airborne dusts and other materials that could affect their health. The goal wasn’t just to tick a compliance box, but to understand what people are actually breathing in during normal operations, and whether current controls are doing enough to keep them safe.

During the site visit, we spent time observing how different tasks were carried out across the workshop—cutting, polishing, shaping and moving stone—all of which naturally generate dust. Some areas were already operating well, especially where water suppression and enclosed machinery helped keep dust levels down. But the assessment also highlighted a few problem spots where hazardous substances could build up more easily, particularly in hand-tool work and enclosed booths where extraction wasn’t being used as effectively as it could be.

What stood out most was that exposure wasn’t the same for everyone. Some employees had very low levels thanks to the way their tasks were set up, while others needed better control measures to reduce their daily exposure. Simple things like adjusting extraction hoods, improving housekeeping practices, tightening up the use of respiratory protective equipment, and re-thinking airflow in certain areas could make a big difference.

The assessment also emphasised the importance of ongoing monitoring and training. Work patterns, materials and tools change often in these environments, so staying on top of hazardous substances exposure is really about building good habits—regular reviews, proper equipment use, and making sure everyone understands why the controls matter.

Overall, the project helped outline clear steps to minimise exposure and create a safer, healthier workspace for the team moving forward.

Lead and Mercury Survey - Sherrington Building, Oxford

Sysco Environmental recently carried out a Lead and Mercury Survey at the Sherrington Building in Oxford, following renovation work that involved removing old parquet flooring and door frames. The purpose of the assessment was to understand whether airborne concentrations of lead or mercury posed any potential risk to workers or others entering the building during or after the refurbishment process.

Air samples were collected from multiple points across two floors while operatives were working on site. The conditions were cool and damp — typical of winter — with steady airflow throughout the building. The monitoring process followed Sysco Environmental’s standard procedures, aligned with recognised UK Health and Safety Executive guidance.

The results showed that airborne lead levels were comfortably below workplace exposure limits, suggesting that routine activities in these areas are unlikely to present any lead-related health risks. Mercury results, however, painted a slightly different picture. While most samples were within acceptable levels, a few results indicated that mercury vapour could occasionally exceed the workplace exposure limit.

Based on these findings, the team advised that anyone working in or visiting affected areas should wear suitable personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection and gloves, and maintain good hygiene practices on site. Items possibly contaminated with mercury should be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of appropriately.

Overall, the survey confirmed that lead exposure risks were minimal, but highlighted the need for cautious handling and continued monitoring of mercury during ongoing works. This project once again demonstrated Sysco Environmental’s commitment to safeguarding health through practical, evidence-based site assessments that ensure compliance and promote a safe working environment.

Hazardous Substances Assessment carried out in Oxfordshire

Our team conducted an assessment focusing on hazardous substances in the workplace at a Kidlington-based facility. The aim was to evaluate employees' exposure to harmful dust and other contaminants, like wood and brick dust, to ensure safety compliance. Sysco Environmental Ltd conducted air monitoring at the facility, which includes carpentry and brickworks workshops, where employees and apprentices work with various materials.

The results found that although exposure levels did not exceed the legal Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs), they were significant enough to recommend further control measures. Key areas of concern were the dust levels in the Carpentry Workshop and Brickworks, which were manageable but required improvements in ventilation and dust extraction systems. Recommendations included better housekeeping to avoid dry sweeping, improved use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and regular health surveillance for staff handling sensitising substances.

In summary, while the current control measures are effective, further action is needed to reduce hazardous exposure and maintain a safe working environment. By improving extraction systems and monitoring health more closely, the facility can keep its staff safe from hazardous substances.