Air and Noise Monitoring



Both Canadian and provincial legislation contain exposure limits for airborne contaminants and noise. The legislation expresses maximum limits, expressed as concentrations or levels, that workers may be exposed to during their shifts.
Employers are responsible to know workplace exposure levels, to ensure that workers are not being overexposed.
PandRS is competent and to measure workplace exposure levels to many hazardous chemicals and noise, using proven methods, certified test labs, and calibrated instruments



Basic Steps to conducting air / noise monitoring





step 1: Assemble information





Assemble available information from:

  • Operators, safety committee representatives, supervisors
  • Incident reports, exposure symptoms
  • Previous test reports or data from affiliated operations
  • New or modified methods, equipment, or facilities
  • Safety data sheets for substances produced or in use
  • Observation of workplace facilities and activities


Step 2: Determine testing strategy





Determine specific needs for sampling:

  • Contaminant or sources to be sampled
  • Recognized sampling and test methods
  • Number of personnel exposed and duration
  • Applicable regulatory and recommended limits
  • Shift lengths and sampling periods
  • Potential for multiple samples for each function
  • Published articles, test lab recommendations
  • Rental instruments and prepared sample media
  • Cost for proposed sampling program and options


Step 3: Perform sampling





Ensure the following when preparing for and conducting sampling:

  • Consult with worker safety representative at the start of testing
  • Fully charge or use new batteries in instruments before each day
  • Verify instrument settings and parameters suit the test methods
  • Calibrate instruments before and after each test
  • Explain instrument operation to participants & answer questions
  • Check instrument functioning regularly
  • Document conditions and work assignments during sampling
  • Observe and discuss with participants any incidents or conditions that could impact results, e.g. dosimeter microphone contact, instrument detachment, or instrument stoppage


Step 4: Analyze and report





Prepare report of findings considering:

  • Scope of monitoring program
  • Methods followed, instruments used, tests conducted
  • Observations made and instrument or laboratory results
  • Results with regulatory compliance concerns
  • Present recommendations in line with scope of monitoring program. Consider hazard control hierarchy -- eliminate at source, control along the path, then wear personal protective devices





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