Respiratory Fit Testing
Reed OHE Pty Ltd is able to provide the services of Certified Occupational Hygienists (COH) ® to undertake you respirator fit testing as required by AS/NZS 1715 following the procedures specified in ISO 16975-3:2017. The service include both quantitative fit testing using a TSI calibration PortaCount and Qualitative fit testing that is good for showing to RPE users that the mask may not be fitting appropriately.
More information on the importance of RPE fit testing can be obtained from RESP-FIT.
Air Monitoring
Dr Reed and her colleagues have over 40 years experience in occupational exposure monitoring in a range of industries. Occupational exposure monitoring has been undertaken in:
• mining industry • printing ink manufacture • aircraft repairs • printing works • car smash repairs • construction industry • aircraft repairs • construction industry • offices • chemical product manufacture • explosive manufacturing
The objective of air monitoring is to assist organisagions in reducing workers exposure to airborne contaminants and therefore complying with Workplace/Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, while maintaining or improving process efficiency. We recognise that our clients need us to find solutions, rather than just define problems.
To assess potential impacts on health assessment of airborne contaminants includes:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
Measurements are undertaken using diffusive tubes (passive monitoring) according to AS 2986.2 or using an adsorption tube-pump combination according to AS 2986.2. Analysis of samples is undertaken at the appropriate NATA certified laboratory (if available).
Particulates
Measurements are undertaken for inhalable dusts according to AS 3640 or for respirable dusts according to AS 2895. Analysis of samples is undertaken at the appropriate NATA certified laboratory (if available). In special cases a personal real time monitor can be used to identify the major sources of exposure.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
Assistance can be given in the selection of the appropriate RPE while alternative methods of reducing exposures are implemented. This also includes RPE fit testing as required by AS1715.
Indoor Air Quality
Today people spend most of their time indoors and believe that IAQ is good until they feel ill. In Australia, currently there are no speciic standards for IAQ except for the Australian Standard (AS1668.1) on ventilation that specifies the level of fresh air which should be brought into a building by the ventilation system, based on type of activities undertaken. The Australian Building Codes Board Handbook on IAQ does provide guidelines for major buildings.
Good indoor air quality enhances the health and comfort of people using that indoor environment, but poor indoor air quality may lead to:
• An increase in a number of health problems such as asthma, respiratory disease, headaches etc.
• Damage to building contents especially furnishings and in some cases the premature failing of electrical items, especially if mould is the problem
• Increased tension and absenteeism in workplaces resulting in reduced workplace productivity
A typical Indoor Air Quality Assessment by staff of Reed OHE may consist of the following:
• Walk around inspection of the building, and surroundings, to ascertain the potential sources of poor indoor air quality
• Measurement of thermal comfort, which incorporates air temperature, relative humidity and air velocities within the occupied areas. These are compared with established acceptable levels
• Carbon dioxide levels within the indoor environment which would give an indication as to whether the fresh air rate supplied is in sufficient quantity to remove unpleasant odours and other internally generated pollutants.
• Measurement of noxious gases such as carbon monoxide, ozone and formaldehyde
• Measurement of airborne particulate levels
• Measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)
• Airborne fungal and bacteria contamination levels within the areas
• Measurement of ventilation rates in air conditioning systems
In limited cases the use of questionnaires can be used to determine the sources of the poor indoor air quality.
Hazardous Chemical Assessment
Before substances are used in a workplace they need to undergo a risk assessment process as prescribed in the appropriate state legislation. Currently in Australia the legislation is based on the requirements that employers must ensure the health and safety of workers, clients and visitors. .
Reed OHE Pty Ltd is able to assistance employers in the conducting of hazardous chemical risk assessments. In this process employers are required to:
• Obtain current SDSs, from the suppliers, for all substances used in the workplace and arrange that employees have access to the SDSs
• Ensuring that all containers of all substances are correctly labeled, including those into which a substance has been decanted for use
• Develop and keep current a hazardous substances’ register
• Arrange for a risk assessment to be undertaken of all processes that use substance/s and make them available to employees
• When required, arrange for appropriate health surveillance and biological monitoring be undertaken
Lighting Surveys
Adequate levels of lighting in the workplace are not only important for maximising task performance but also for ensuring the overall health and safety of employees. Issues range from being able to see safety hazards, prevention of eyestrain and headaches. In some studies poor lighting levels have been linked to Sick Building Syndrome including irritability, headaches and poor concentration.
Reed OHE Pty Ltd is able to provide the following services to assess lighting levels according to AS1680:
• Adequacy of general and specific lighting in workplaces
• Use of natural lighting
Mould Assessment
Reed OHE Pty Ltd is able to undertake mould assessments to determine if significant mould problems exist.
Significant mould contamination in buildings can create problems for building occupants. Mould can grow on any moisture affected building surface/s and can cause a wide range of symptoms in the building occupants, from headaches and flu-like symptoms to more serious health impairments. We have provided advice on mould contamination to a range of clients including property managers, insurance companies, building contractors and homeowners.
The consultants at Reed OHE Pty Ltd have conducted microbial projects in office buildings, public facilities and homes. Our services include:
• Microbial sampling and lab analysis
• Inspections and monitoring
Noise Assessment
In Australia, state OHS legislation has required that noise assessments be undertaken in all workplaces to determine if a significant risk exists since the late 1970’s. A new noise assessment is required if there are any changes in the workplace which may change the noise levels. In any case it is considered good practice if the noise assessments are undertaken on a regular basis such as 5 yearly (if not required before).
Noise levels are generally considered to high if you have to shout to be heard when you are 1 metre apart.
The general objectives of noise assessments undertaken according AS/NZS 1269 are to:
• Identify employees whose exposure to noise is likely to exceed above specified levels. This will involve the assessment of employees exposure over a whole work shift and evaluated according the LAeq,8h and measuring of peak noise levels (dBC) where relevant and comparing to the appropriate standard,
• Determining and obtaining what information is required on noise sources and work practices to determine what actions are required to reduce noise to acceptable levels,
• Undertake noise measurements to determine if the control measures implemented are adequate,
• Assist in the selection of personal hearing protection as an interim control measure,
• Determine which areas need to be defined as hearing protection areas until the noise levels can be reduced.
All noise monitoring will be undertaken according to AS/NZS 1269.1 and hearing protection selected according to AS/NZS 1269.3 and AS/NZS 1270.