Tim Turney, technical product manager at Casella
Around 3 million people die annually from chronic respiratory diseases (COPD).[1] Some cases could be linked to dust exposure and currently, 141,000 individuals report the working environment as the cause for their health problems.[2]
Employers must monitor their workforce’s health and Casella have developed the intrinsically safe Apex2, making it easier to do this.
Dust
Workplaces susceptible to large volumes of dust include mines and quarries, construction sites, farming, bakeries and mills. Stones, chemicals, metals, textiles, wood, poultry, grain and flour are
sources of dust and long-term inhalation of these substances, without the necessary breathing protection, could result in COPD, bronchitis and emphysema.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations (COSHH), stipulate inhalable dust in the workplace should not exceed 10mg/m3 and the level of respirable dust must not exceed 4 mg/m3.[3] Regular monitoring should be conducted and the Apex2 is effective in helping workplaces to do this, identifying high risk areas.
The Apex2
Casella’s Apex2 is a personal sampling pump that is efficient, practical and adaptable, offering tailored features depending on individual requirements.
This pump can be integrated into any working environment and its size, weight, Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to access the data remotely, allow data to be collated accurately.
The pumps are also equipped with filters that can be changed depending on the environment and will still function regardless of temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity. Particles collected in the filters are then sent to a laboratory for further analysis, identifying the source of dust.
The Apex2 allows individuals to operate safely on their own but also work alongside employers to understand workplace risks and how to mitigate them.
[3] The Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice and Guidance: Control of Substances Hazardous to health,2002