Analytical Services   

We are able to undertake a full range of workplace assessments - including noise assessments, particulate, vapour and dust monitoring and LEV assessments as detailed below.

If you would like any further information with regard to any of the analytical services we offer, please contact our offices.

Noise at Work Surveys   

A European Directive was recently implemented with the UK introducing new noise Regulations last year.  The new Regulations tightened up existing legislation in relation to noise by lowering the existing exposure action levels to 80 and 85 db(A)

Acton Jennings is able to carry out full noise assessments of your workplace, and provide you with a full report of findings, detailing any remedial actions which are required as appropriate

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) - Statutory Test & Examination

Ventilation is one of the control measure identified in the hierarchy of control for hazardous substances. This can be either dilution ventilation (sometimes called general ventilation) or  local exhaust ventilation (lev). LEV controls the formation of hazardous atmospheres by removing the harmful substance at source and ducting it safety by airflow to a place of safety.

The use of LEV equipment is covered the COSHH Regulations and specifically covers the maintenance, examination and testing of LEV. In brief it requires that,

In most small engineering workshops, employers must ensure that thorough examinations and tests are carried out:

• Every 14 months for most processes,
• Every six months where metal articles are abraded or polished for more than twelve hours a week,

Employers must keep appropriate records for at least five years,

Examination, test and inspection must be carried out by a competent person i.e. someone with sufficient training, knowledge, skill and experience in the equipment.

There should be periodic checks of LEV equipment that may be performed by an employee and these include,

• check for physical damage and positioning of the hoods,
• check for blocked ductwork,
• check filters,
• check for wear or corrosion of fan blades
• check for slipping fans or belts,
• check and lubricate bearings.

A record of inspection should be kept identifying the item of equipment, its condition and any remedial action taken.

Acton Jennings can undertake this work on your behalf. For further details, please contact our offices and we shall be pleased to assist.

Airborne Monitoring

Acton Jennings, are an independent consultancy with many years of experience of providing a variety of organisations with Occupational Hygiene Services and are able to advise you on a wide range of issues, in particular:

Specialist monitoring to assess exposure levels for:

• Dusts (e.g. Flour, Wood, Paper, Metals)
• Fumes (e.g. Paints and Welding Operations)
• Vapours (e.g. Mercury, Acid Mists)
• Solvents (e.g. Glues, inks and paints.)

Occupational Hygiene is described as ‘evaluating environmental health risks and making provision for their control’. In the first instance identifying what is the hazard is the first step, then assessing the health risk and providing the controls to minimise this risk.

Acton Jennings can work with you through all of the above issues.

• The first step is to make contact and we can visit your site to discuss the issues you have and prepare a proposal and quote (you are under no obligation)
• The initial monitoring usually involves a comprehensive site visit to monitor any given process. Samples are collected and analysed, followed by production of a detailed report.
• The report will be interpretative and compares the results with Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs), as described in EH40.
• Recommendations will be made where necessary and advise on safe working practices, personal protective equipment and if / when reassessment is required.