This case study from detailed exploration and analysis of a trial ran to monitor respirable crystalline silica (RCS) levels, using an AIR XS Silica Monitor, on behalf of our UK partners Sunbelt Rentals.

The trial monitored the exposure levels to workers and visitors at the Balfour Beatty Bottesford maintenance hangars, which are used daily to store and maintain groundwork equipment. Completing activities to clean such equipment, often covered in aggregate compounds, like concrete, can cause risk of RCS exposure to both workers and visitors in the area.

The challenge for Balfour Beatty, which the AIR XS Silica Monitor and Sunbelt Rentals were tasked with finding a solution to, was to determine the level of risk posed from this RCS exposure and provide specific insights to help introduce preventative strategies for the future of protecting workers and visitors.

“The analysis of collected data from the [AIR XS] unit provided useful information regarding areas where silica exposure was elevated, as well as potential factors contributing to the levels observed through accurate time stamps on the data recordings from the Trolex [AIR XS] unit.” – Nick Moon, Business Manager – Cranes & Piling Plant, Balfour Beatty, Asset & Technology Solutions.

The trail lasted for a 3-week period, with the AIR XS identifying and monitoring exposure to workers within the hangars. See the key findings for yourself.