Wood Dust Hull

Dust Air Monitoring in Hull

We attended a project in Hull focusing on dust air monitoring at a manufacturing facility to assess workers' exposure to airborne dust. The evaluation targeted various areas, including fabrication, plaster boarding, insulation, and wrapping, where employees were likely to be exposed to dust during routine tasks. The goal was to ensure a safe working environment by measuring the levels of inhalable and respirable dust.

The results showed that certain areas, particularly insulation and plaster boarding, had significant dust exposure, with inhalable dust levels exceeding workplace exposure limits (WELs). While the levels of respirable dust were below the WEL, they were still deemed noteworthy. The fabrication and wall panelling areas also showed elevated levels of dust, though still within acceptable limits.

Key recommendations included improving local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems to control dust at its source, job rotation to limit prolonged exposure, and continued use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like respiratory masks. The report stressed the importance of avoiding dry sweeping and recommended switching to vacuum cleaning methods to minimise dust clouds.

Overall, the assessment highlighted areas for improvement in dust management and provided practical solutions to ensure worker safety and compliance with health regulations.