As part of our ongoing testing programme in real-world scenarios, we recently visited a local company manufacturing specialist refractory materials. During the visit, our in-house Occupational Hygienist conducted personal exposure monitoring using traditional techniques as stipulated in MDHS 101/2 – Crystalline silica in respirable airborne particulates, alongside our AIR X Particulate Monitors.

“We were approached by the workshop health + safety manager so they could seek a deeper understanding of our real-time particulate monitoring technology. We offered an on-site trial, pairing our AIR X products with traditional exposure monitoring. The results were highly encouraging, and the collaboration marked the beginning of a strong working relationship.”

Joe Marais, Trolex Product Development Manager

Personal sampling was conducted on one of the Mill Operators as they filled bags with materials containing crystalline silica. 2 AIR XS units were positioned either side of the Operator’s work area, and the resultant respirable crystalline silica (RCS) levels were recorded in real time.

In line with standard Occupational Hygiene practice, the personal samplers were retrieved from the Operative, processed, and submitted to an external accredited laboratory for analysis of both respirable dust and RCS exposure concentrations.

The analytical results indicated that the Operative was exposed to 0.101 mg/m³ of RCS during bagging activities. At the same time, the AIR XS units returned average RCS results of 0.118 mg/m³ and 0.079 mg/m³ respectively. The data provided valuable insights into the operative’s behaviours based on exposure profiles during the assessment period.

On the results, the client commented:

“We were exploring ways to improve our understanding of airborne exposure in real time, and the AIR X trial offered exactly that. Compared to traditional monitoring, which gave us just a single data point, the real-time exposure profile illuminated work patterns and pinpointed specific sources of particulates throughout the shift. It provided a level of insight we hadn’t seen before and opened the door to more informed decision-making.”

This comparative result not only demonstrates how AIR XS performs in line with traditional monitoring techniques, but also highlights its importance in interpreting operative behaviours, the impact of resting periods, and the design of control measures.

More than 250 deaths per year in underground mining are attributed to silicosis, claims Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), as well as other dusts, is generated through different processes and conditions specific to underground occupational environments.

• According to Mining Technology, there are over 2,000 underground mines still in operation worldwide
• More than 250 deaths per year in underground mining are attributed to silicosis, claims MSHA
• According to MSHA, more than a million miners in the USA are exposed to dangerous levels of silica
• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report that from 2006 to 2011, mine explosions accounted for nearly 1/4 of mining-related deaths in the USA

• Construction dust
• Respirable dust
• Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Hydrogen Sulphide
• Sulphur Dioxide
• Flammable gases
• Oxygen
• Methane
• Ammonia

• Drilling into rock + existing structures
• Excavation of rocks
• Lack of effective ventilation
• Loading + unloading of materials
• Transportation + use of machinery
• Transportation of raw materials

• Blasting into natural structures
• Drilling natural structures
• Excavation of rock
• Natural deposits in rocks
• Use of vehicle + machine engines
• Lack of ventilation
• Rock bursts

The International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM) report occupational diseases contribute to nearly 2.5 million annual deaths in mining + metallurgy industries. Exposure to hazardous particulates + gases play a major role in this.

• The ICMM reports occupational diseases are the leading cause of mining & metal fatalities globally
• Occupational diseases contribute to 2.4 million of the estimated 2.78 million annual deaths from occupational injury and illness — over 86%, according to the ICMM
• 25-33% of small-scale gold miners suffer from chronic metallic mercury vapour intoxication according to UN Environment Programme
• 400 million tonnes of minerals are produced in the UK each year according to the Mineral Products Association

• Asbestos particulates
• Copper powder
• Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEE)
• Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)
• Gold + other mataliferous dusts
• Other airborne dusts + mists

• Carbon Dioxide
• Hydrogen Sulphide
• Sulphur Dioxide
• Mercury vapour
• Methane

• Blasting rock + other raw materials
• Crushing rock + other raw materials
• Demolition of rock structures
• Use of certain machinery

• Blasting rock + other raw materials
• Decay of organic matter
• Processing rocks + raw materials
• Use of certain machinery
• Use of diesel vehicles

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that 110 million people  are exposed to welding fumes at work in various industries. Various fumes and metal dust exposure can be generated through different forms of welding and other methods.

• NIH reports that approximately 11 million people work as welders worldwide
• NIH continue that 110 million people are exposed to welding  fumes at work in various industries
• Oxford Economics determines that 40.5 million people work with in the steel industry’s global supply chain

• Cadmium dust + fumes
• Nickel dust + fumes
• Welding dust + fumes
• Zinc dust + fumes

• Flammable gases
• Nitrous oxides
• Ozone

• Brazing
• Foundry works
• Plasma + laser cutting
• Soldering
• Smelting
• Welding

• Arc welding
• Heating metals
• Welding