Occupational dust monitoring
Dust inhalation is a significant occupational health concern across construction, quarrying, engineered-stone fabrication, woodworking, and food processing. Understanding worker exposure levels is essential for protecting health and meeting obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Sampling is conducted by a MAIOH-qualified occupational hygienist using calibrated personal sampling pumps with method-specific cassettes (IOM for inhalable, cyclones for respirable). Gravimetric and analytical work is processed through IANZ-accredited partner laboratories.
What we monitor
- Inhalable dust fraction — personal air sampling to AS/NZS 3640-2009
- Respirable dust fraction — evaluation against WES limits (AS 2985)
- Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) — gravimetric + analytical
- Wood dust exposure (hardwood / softwood)
- Grain and flour dust monitoring
- Area sampling for dust characterisation
Silica awareness
Respirable crystalline silica exposure is a priority issue in New Zealand, particularly in the engineered stone and construction sectors. WorkSafe NZ has reduced the WES for RCS to 0.02 mg/m³ 8-hour TWA. Our sampling provides defensible data for compliance demonstration and control validation.