Assessing and Controlling Exposure to VOCs, BTEX & Solvent Vapours
At Arthian, we provide expert hydrocarbon monitoring consultancy to help organisations assess and manage exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), BTEX compounds, and solvent vapours in the workplace. Our consultants deliver tailored monitoring programmes and risk assessments in line with COSHH, EH40, and industry-specific guidance.
Whether you’re operating in distilling, petrochemicals, manufacturing, or laboratories, we help you understand your exposure risks—and implement effective control strategies.
Hydrocarbons and VOCs are commonly found in fuels, solvents, adhesives, and industrial processes. Exposure to these substances can cause:
Employers have a legal duty to assess and control exposure under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR).
We combine accurate sampling with regulatory insight to help you understand exposure levels and associated health risks. Our approach ensures you meet legal obligations under COSHH and DSEAR, while implementing practical, cost-effective controls. Ultimately, we support improvements in indoor air quality and worker wellbeing across your operations.
We assess and control exposure to:
We use active and passive sampling methods, based on recognised methodologies, followed by laboratory analysis (including UKAS accredited) to determine time-weighted average (TWA) exposures.
We assess air quality in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, including:
Our assessments identify sources of contamination and support ventilation design.
We interpret monitoring data and provide:
Where flammable vapours are present, we support compliance with DSEAR by:
We assess and control exposure to:
We use active and passive sampling methods, based on recognised methodologies, followed by laboratory analysis (including UKAS accredited) to determine time-weighted average (TWA) exposures.
We assess air quality in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, including:
Our assessments identify sources of contamination and support ventilation design.
We interpret monitoring data and provide:
Where flammable vapours are present, we support compliance with DSEAR by:
Fully integrated with geotechnical, hydrological, and ecological disciplines.
National experience with regional insight and regulatory familiarity.
Deep understanding of planning, infrastructure, and environmental interfaces.
Commitment to technical rigour, clear communication, and long-term outcomes.
You should carry out monitoring if:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Many VOCs are harmful to health and can contribute to poor indoor air quality, especially in enclosed spaces.
BTEX refers to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—common hydrocarbons found in fuels and solvents. Benzene is a known carcinogen and tightly regulated.
We use active (pump-based) and passive (diffusion-based) sampling methods, as appropriate, to collect air samples. These are analysed in accredited labs to determine exposure levels.
WELs vary by substance. For example, the WEL for benzene is 1 ppm (8-hour TWA). We help you interpret these limits and assess compliance.
Yes. We advise on local exhaust ventilation (LEV), containment strategies, PPE/RPE selection, and safe storage practices. We also support DSEAR compliance for flammable vapours.
We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.