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.