Occupational hygiene service

Airborne Exposure Monitoring

Work activities can release harmful substances that are difficult to detect. IOM monitors airborne exposure to help you understand the risk and check that your controls protect employees.

Service overview

Understand what employees may be breathing in

Activities such as welding, manufacturing, woodworking, pharmaceutical production and construction can release harmful substances into the air. Airborne hazards are not always visible. Without accurate monitoring, you may not know how much employees are breathing in or whether your existing controls provide effective protection.

When this service may be needed

  • Dust, fumes, vapours or other airborne contaminants are visible, suspected or poorly characterised
  • The HSE, an insurer or an internal review has requested exposure monitoring
  • A new process, material or working method may have changed exposure
  • Evidence is needed to determine whether existing controls are adequately controlling exposure

Practical support

How IOM can help

IOM’s occupational hygienists use personal and static air monitoring to measure airborne contaminants. We combine the results with careful observations of workplace tasks, processes and control measures.

Where a relevant Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) exists, we compare the results against it. We also consider recognised guidance and whether exposure has been prevented or adequately controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

From evidence to action

Turning evidence into action

We do more than provide monitoring data. We explain what the results mean, identify the activities creating the greatest risk and assess whether your controls work in practice.

Our recommendations may include improvements to:

  • Process design and containment
  • Local exhaust ventilation
  • Working methods and maintenance
  • Respiratory protective equipment
  • Employee information and training

You receive a clear report that prioritises action and provides evidence to support inspections, audits and ongoing risk management.

Talk to our occupational hygiene team about monitoring airborne exposure in your workplace.

What the service includes

Measure exposure experienced by employees during relevant tasks.
Investigate sources, spread and background airborne concentrations.
Compare findings with relevant limits and recognised guidance.
Assess whether process, ventilation and working controls are effective.

What you receive

Clear evidence and usable next steps

  • Monitoring results and method details
  • Interpretation against relevant limits or guidance
  • Identification of the activities creating the greatest risk
  • Prioritised recommendations to improve exposure control

Get practical advice for your organisation.

Request a quote

Tell us what you need to achieve and your enquiry will be directed to the most appropriate team.

Speak to an expert