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The Environment and Occupational Monitoring Team provides a range of monitoring and advisory services in the following areas:
Outdoor Environmental Air Quality
We have a Mobile Air Quality Unit that monitors outdoor air for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulates (by TEOM), usually in relation to traffic pollution.
Occupational/Workplace Monitoring
Occupational monitoring is done under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) to ensure that employees are not exposed to substances above the acceptable concentration limits. Such substances can include:
• Wood dust
• Metals including lead
• Solvent vapours
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) performance
All of this work is carried out by British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) qualified staff.
Chemical Incident Support
The department provides Chemical Incident Support via an Emergency Call Out Team. The team rota of scientists provide rapid response and assistance to the Fire Brigade where chemical hazards are involved, and support on Emergency Planning matters. The Environment & Occupational Monitoring Team coordinate the 365 day-a-year, 24 hours a day service for attendance throughout the County.
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pool water quality is regularly checked at all County Council Premises, namely schools and Social Services establishments and at other public pools. The testing checks that the pool waters are microbiologically and chemically safe for swimming, and advice is given if results are unsatisfactory.
Environmental Protection Act (EPA) Authorisation Monitoring
Monitoring of stack (chimney) emissions of particulates or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) can be undertaken.
Indoor Environmental Air Quality
We have an indoor air quality instrument capable of checking for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, hydrogen sulphide, temperature and humidity; this is for situations where, for example, there have been complaints of ‘stuffy’ air in offices causing headaches, or dry noses and eyes.
The County Council has its own laboratory where analysis and portable equipment calibration is carried out. There has been successful participation inthe Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) for nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes, workplace metals on filters and benzene toluene and xylene tubes, although participation has discontinued. Work requiring specialist analysis is carried out by our Trace and Residues team or by a sub-contractor laboratory. The County Council has been serving a variety of major clients, including Local Authorities and Private Companies since 1974.
For more information on Environment and Occupational Monitoring, contact us (see right).
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