Protecting Workers from Harmful Dust Exposure in the Workplace
At Arthian, we provide an expert dust monitoring consultancy to help employers assess and control exposure to airborne particulates in the workplace. From respirable crystalline silica (RCS) to wood dust and general nuisance dusts, we deliver tailored monitoring programmes that ensure compliance with COSHH, HSE guidance, and industry-specific guidance.
Our consultants work across a wide range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, food production, and distilling—helping you protect your workforce and meet your legal obligations.
Airborne dusts can cause a range of serious health conditions, including:
According to the HSE, exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) alone is responsible for hundreds of deaths each year in the UK. Employers have a duty to assess and control these risks under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
We conduct both personal exposure monitoring and static sampling to assess airborne dust concentrations in real working conditions. This includes:
We use a combination of real-time dust monitors and gravimetric sampling to provide:
Our consultants interpret the data and provide:
We conduct both personal exposure monitoring and static sampling to assess airborne dust concentrations in real working conditions. This includes:
We use a combination of real-time dust monitors and gravimetric sampling to provide:
Our consultants interpret the data and provide:
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.
Inhalable dust refers to larger particles that enter the nose and mouth, while respirable dust consists of finer particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Both can pose health risks, but respirable dust is particularly dangerous.
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a fine dust generated when cutting, grinding, or drilling silica-containing materials like stone, concrete, and brick. It can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other serious diseases.
This depends on the level of risk and any changes in processes or materials. As a rule of thumb, monitoring should be reviewed every 1–3 years, or sooner if there are concerns or incidents.
WELs are legal limits set by the HSE for the amount of a substance that can be present in workplace air. For example, the WEL for RCS is 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA).
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.