Dust Measurements in the Working Environment: Basic Steps for OHS

Dust Measurements in the Working Environment... What are the Obligation, Conditions and Benefits?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) can be defined as practices to protect all employees in the work environment based on laws, regulations and communiqués. The aim of the measures taken is to prevent health problems and occupational risks arising from the work environment.

Many environmental measurements are carried out within the scope of occupational health and safety (OHS). One of these measurements is “Dust Measurements”.

Dust Exposure and Health Effects

Dusts are small particles that are usually airborne and, when inhaled, can accumulate in the lungs and cause a variety of health problems. When workers are exposed to prolonged and intense dust exposure, they may experience the following health problems:

Adverse Health Effects:

Respiratory Diseases:

Inhalation of dust particles can cause lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and silicosis.
Especially those working in industrial areas, construction, mining and chemical sectors are more exposed to this risk.

Lung Cancer:

Silica, asbestos or some chemical dusts can cause lung cancer as a result of long-term exposure.

Chronic Respiratory Problems:

Workers exposed to dust can experience long-term breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and loss of lung function.

Allergic Reactions:

Some dusts can cause allergic reactions. In particular, workers in the food industry may experience allergic reactions when exposed to flour dust.

Solid particles below 300 microns are called dust. Dust measurements are carried out in order to prevent the negative effects of dust that may occur in workplaces on employees. In general; dust measurements should be carried out in mines, machining, furniture manufacturing, glass, ceramics and workplaces where cutting, polishing and sanding operations are carried out.

The damages of a person working in dusty environments can be listed as follows. First of all, the field of vision decreases, work efficiency decreases and most importantly, it causes occupational diseases. The formation and inhalation of 0.5 - 5 micron-sized dust in the environment causes a disease called pneumoconiosis.

Dust Measurement Methods

Measuring dust exposure in workplaces is an important step to protect workers' health. Dust measurements can be made by various methods.

Main Dust Measurement Methods:

Total Dust Measurement (TSP - Total Suspended Particulates):

Total dust measurement measures the amount of all suspended dust particles in the air.
This measurement is usually done using an air sampler and determines the total amount of suspended dust.

Respirable Dust Measurement:

Respirable dust is small particles (usually smaller than 10 micrometers) that can enter the lungs. Measuring this dust is critical to prevent respiratory diseases.
Special filters and samplers are used for respirable dust.

Personal Dust Monitoring:

Personal monitoring devices are used to measure the amount of dust workers are exposed to.
These are small, portable devices that are worn on workers' clothing and monitor dust exposure throughout the day.

Frequency Analysis and Size Distribution:

Special devices can be used to analyze the size of dust particles in the air.
This helps to determine in more detail the effects of different sizes of dust on respiratory health.

Optical and Electronic Measurement Methods:

Optical methods use laser beams to measure the density of dust.
Electronic devices measure the amount of dust through airflow and particle density.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Dust Measurements in the Working Environment. We also provide services in OHS Noise Measurements.

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