Pollutants Consulting

Pollutants in the workplace

Contact persons

Kurt Schläpfer


Benedikt Wimmer

+41 61 206 95 36
E-Mail

Would you like to survey or monitor the pollutants exposure situation at workplaces?
Do you want to check the effectiveness of emission-reducing measures?

 

Our work focuses on inhalation exposure to hazardous substances in the context of occupational activities. Using various sampling and measurement methods, we can measure the air directly at the exposed persons. We measure both gaseous pollutants (e.g. solvents, acids, aldehydes, mercury) and dust-bound compounds (e.g. heavy metals). We also record various particle fractions (PM10, respirable and alveolar dusts and nanoparticles), respirable fibres (asbestos, KMF) and aerosols (e.g. cooling lubricants).

We are the point of contact for health & safety managers or operations managers of companies that use hazardous substances. Many of our customers would like to obtain an overview of possible hazards from inhalation exposure as part of a self-assessment. Critical workplaces and health-critical substances should be recognised and checked and any need for measures derived from this. However, we also provide support if, for example, workplace measurement requirements need to be implemented as part of safety audits.

The substances used, quantities, processes and spatial conditions are individual to each company and each workplace. In order to identify the relevant hazards in a specific case, we analyse the situation in consultation with the responsible persons and prepare a pollutant analysis of the inhalation hazards at the workplace. Depending on the complexity, this is done by telephone or as part of an on-site inspection.

Based on the risk analysis, we develop a customised measurement concept so that the relevant pollutants can be recorded and a meaningful assessment is possible. Where available, we rely on the workplace limit values from Switzerland (maximum workplace concentration MAK). However, corresponding limit values are not available for all substances. In such cases, our experience and data from other countries provide us with aids for assessment and judgement.

When carrying out workplace measurements and implementing measurement concepts, we can draw on a broad repertoire of methods and tried-and-tested collaboration with top laboratories. Depending on the situation, we not only record the pollutants on a site-specific basis, but also on a person-specific basis in the breathing zone of the employees. This makes it possible to realistically and practically record the pollutant load over the course of a typical shift.

If the measurements and samples taken indicate a need for action to protect employees, we can support you in planning and implementing measures to reduce air pollution. In certain cases, it makes sense to monitor the success of the measures with measurements once they have been implemented.

To ensure that the measures defined as part of a risk analysis or workplace measurements are also implemented, we are happy to support you in communicating and training your employees. Comprehensible work instructions, clear checklists and customised training courses help to ensure that the measures are put into practice.