All hazardous substances must be assessed for risk to human health.
Monitoring of airborne substances is required where:
There could be serious risk to health if control measures failed or deteriorated
Exposure limits may be exceeded
Control measures might not be working efficiently
Using a combination of traditional analytical and real-time instrumental monitoring techniques, we can compare personal exposures with both long and short-term exposure limits as specified
in HSE, ACGHIH, OSHA, NIOSH publications.
From this we can assess the level of compliance with COSHH. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to measure:
Total inhalable, thoracic and respirable dust
DEEE’s (diesel engine exhaust emissions)
Lead or other heavy metals
Respirable fibre
Acid mists
Combustion gases
Explosive gases
Organic vapours
Bacterial loading (airborne microbes)
Our interpretive reports not only discuss the findings from monitoring and thorough site observations but give full recommendations on remedial actions where required. Should we encounter any air quality issues on site, we are confident that we can offer a sensible and practical solution, every time.
Biological monitoring is a valuable tool in assessing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Unlike air quality monitoring, which measures contaminants in the air, biological monitoring evaluates the actual absorption of chemicals into the body by analysing samples such as blood, urine, or breath.
This approach provides an accurate reflection of individual exposure levels, accounting for factors like skin absorption, inhalation and ingestion as well as personal protective equipment effectiveness. It helps identify workers at risk, can be used to demonstrate compliance with occupational exposure limits (in particular for lead), and supports early intervention to prevent health issues.
Biological monitoring also aids in evaluating the effectiveness of control measures and can guide improvements in workplace safety practices. By focusing on internal dose rather than external presence, it offers a holistic view of exposure, making it an essential component of occupational health surveillance and risk management. At Cirrus we conduct biological monitoring to assist with our workplace exposure assessments, this method is particularly useful when looking at isocyanates in the workplace as well as some heavy metals.
Compressed air used for breathing must meet strict quality standards to ensure the safety and health of workers operating in environments where clean, breathable air is essential. At Cirrus Environmental Solutions Ltd, we provide quarterly breathing air quality testing using the A1-CBISS Breathing Air Quality Test Kit (AIRQUAL-1) in conjunction with Gastec gas detection tubes. This ensures that the air supplied through breathing apparatus or airline systems is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.
Compressed air systems are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, and confined space operations. When used for breathing, this air must be free from harmful contaminants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oil mist, water vapour, and other toxic gases. Inadequate air quality can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory issues, unconsciousness, or even fatality in extreme cases.
To comply with BS EN 12021:2014 – the standard for breathing air quality – employers must ensure that air supplied to breathing apparatus is regularly tested and maintained. Our service helps you meet these legal obligations while safeguarding your workforce.
We use the AIRQUAL-1 test kit, a portable and reliable system designed specifically for on-site breathing air quality assessments. This kit allows us to test for a range of contaminants, including:
- Oxygen (O₂) – to ensure sufficient levels for safe breathing.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) – a toxic gas that must be kept to a minimum.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – excessive levels can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment.
- Oil Mist – can damage respiratory systems and equipment.
- Water Vapour – excessive moisture can lead to corrosion and microbial growth.
The Gastec gas detection tubes provide accurate, real-time readings for each contaminant. These tubes change colour in the presence of specific gases, allowing for immediate visual confirmation of air quality levels. The combination of the AIRQUAL-1 kit and Gastec tubes ensures a comprehensive and dependable assessment.
We recommend and provide quarterly testing to maintain compliance with industry standards and ensure continuous protection for your employees. Regular testing also helps identify potential issues early, such as compressor faults or filter degradation, allowing for timely corrective action.
Each test is followed by a detailed report, outlining the results, any non-conformities, and practical recommendations for improvement. But we don’t stop there — our consultants are available to discuss the findings, advise on remedial actions, and support you in implementing any necessary changes.
- Bespoke testing schedules tailored to your operations
- Experienced consultants with deep knowledge of occupational hygiene
- Clear, actionable reporting with ongoing support
- Reliable, industry-standard equipment for accurate results
Protect your team with confidence. Contact us today to schedule your next breathing air quality test and ensure your systems are safe, compliant, and ready for use.
Targeted assessments that measure the concentration of airborne contaminants in the external environment surrounding workplaces.
These surveys help identify potential exposure risks from pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may infiltrate indoor workspaces or affect outdoor workers.
By using photoionisation detectors (PIDS), low volume sampling pumps and dust detectors, data is collected and analysed to evaluate compliance with COSHH and identify pollution sources.
These surveys are essential for better protecting the health of your workers by ensuring safe working conditions. They are also pivotal for environmental planning, public health protection, and climate change mitigation efforts.
We will measure and assess the level of airborne biological particles - such as bacteria, fungi, spores, and pollen - that may pose health risks to your workers.
These particles can originate from biological waste processes and become airborne, potentially leading to respiratory issues or allergic reactions.
Monitoring is typically required when facilities are within 250 metres of sensitive receptors (e.g. residential areas or workplaces) and must follow Environment Agency guidance (such as the M9 technical note) which outlines sampling strategies, equipment, and reporting standards.
Bioaerosol monitoring is a critical tool for evaluating environmental exposure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing effective control measures to protect the health of your workers.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) refers to a collection of non-specific symptoms - such as headaches, eye and throat irritation, fatigue, and dizziness - that are experienced by individuals working in certain buildings, particularly sealed or mechanically ventilated offices.
These symptoms typically worsen during the working day and improve after leaving the building. SBS is not a formally diagnosed illness but is linked to poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, low humidity, thermal discomfort, and airborne pollutants from building materials, furnishings, or office equipment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that SBS is likely caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors, and recommends environmental assessments and improvements to ventilation, humidity control, and workspace design to mitigate its effects.
We can help to identify the possible causes, recommend remedial measures and provide general advice and guidance in relation to SBS and improving indoor air quality.
