VOC
exposure testing

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a class of chemicals with a high exposure risk due to their ability to become airborne as vapours at room temperature

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As an employer, you are responsible for taking effective measures to control exposure to hazardous substances and protect health. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) employers are required to protect both employees and others who may be exposed to hazardous substances by ensuring that monitoring procedures are in place to ensure their safety. Solvents and in particular volatile organic compounds (VOC's) are a particular hazard as they become readily airborne in the form of vapours at room temperature.

Typical products containing VOC's that give rise to ill health include:

  • Adhesives (Toluene, Styrene)
  • Solvents (Acetone, Ethyl Acetate)
  • Paints (Dimethylformamyde, Glycol Ethers)
  • Cleaning Agents (Benzene, Xylene)

Our range of testing services and highly experienced technical team ensures we are able to measure exposure in relation to all workplace exposure limits (WEL's) as defined by the health and safety executive document EH40.

ActionsActions and advice

The starting point of a workplace exposure assessment in relation to COSHH compliance is to carryout a risk assessment for all substances involved in the process.

Once the hazardous substance(s) have been identified an assessment of exposure levels should be conducted by implementing an exposure testing regime in line with HSG173. The measured exposures should then be compared with the workplace exposure levels (WEL's) as defined by the Health & Safety Executive. Any actions should then be taken to either reduce or control exposure as part of an ongoing monitoring regime.

HelpHow can we help?

Our consultants are here to help you and can develop and implement monitoring strategies to ensure maximum exposure limits are not exceeded with respect to hazardous substances used in the workplace or arising from your working activities. Our team will advise on appropriate measures to be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to volatile substances (VOC's) and ensure you comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations.

For further help call us on 0870 7019170 or email: sales@euroenvironmental.co.uk

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Knowledge Centre Article

Expand your knowledge on this topic by reading our informative article

Understanding and Managing Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in the Workplace
Understanding and Managing Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in the Workplace

2023-11-30

Within the domain of occupational hygiene, employers face a critical challenge in controlling exposure to hazardous substances. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) constitute a class of chemicals that present a particular risk due to their ability to become airborne as vapours at room temperature. As an employer, it is imperative to comprehend the nature of VOCs, the industries or processes where exposure can occur, the associated health effects, and, most importantly, how to prevent or mitigate exposure effectively.

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