Wood Dust
exposure testing

Carpenters and joiners are four times more likely to develop these diseases as they are working closely with wood dust on a very regular basis.

Both hard and soft wood dusts act as respiratory sensitisers. A respiratory sensitiser is a substance which, when it is breathed in, can lead to occupational asthma - an allergic reaction in the lungs. Once a person has developed asthma, or has been 'sensitised', any further exposure to the substance can then produce the same reaction.

As an employer, you are responsible for taking effective measures to control exposure and protect health.

Actions and advice

Both hardwood and softwood dusts have a total inhalable Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of 5mg/m3 which must not be exceeded. These limits are created based on the amount of dust in the air, averaged over a typical eight-hour working day.

Once an assessment has been carried out to measure the exposure levels any actions should then be taken to either reduce or control exposure as part of an ongoing monitoring regime.

Click here to learn more about the hazards assocaited with wood dust exposure.

How can we help?

Our consultants are here to help you with advice and guidance. We offer a free consultation service to identify an appropriate exposure sampling and monitoring regime that will ensure you meet regulatory compliance.

We will then provide you with a no obligation proposal to attend your premises to carryout the site exposure assessment based on the monitoring regime most appropriate for your organisation.