Interested in real-time dust monitoring? See the page for our new DustScan Cloud

About DustScan

DustScanAQ is the new trading name for DustScan Ltd; we have recently rebranded to reflect our growing air quality consultancy expertise and involvement in air quality matters. DustScan Ltd was established in 2004 as a spin-off company from Leeds University. The firm is based in Oxfordshire, UK.

Workplace Dust & Air Quality Monitoring

DustScanAQ conducts occupational aerosol (dust etc.) and indoor air quality monitoring and assessment services in all places of work and indoor spaces where airborne substances can pose an exposure risk to building occupants and visitors. 

Prolonged or acute exposure to aerosols including dust, fumes and gases in the workplace can lead to serious respiratory conditions and other illnesses. Dust of any kind can be harmful if we are exposed to high concentrations for prolonged periods but certain aerosols can trigger more serious immune response reactions; asbestos fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust, welding fumes and radon for example can all cause serious lung diseases and cancer. Even seemingly innocuous materials such as flour and wood dust are respiratory sensitisers and can cause occupational asthma.

Exposure to airborne substances in any place of work relates to the HSE Control of Substances to Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. HSE EH40/2005 sets out workplace exposure limits (WEL) for over 500 substances but exposure to some specific substances are regulated separately (e.g. asbestos and lead).

Indoor air quality is affected by the presence/concentrations of airborne substances but is also influenced by ventilation and environmental factors. Poor indoor air quality can affect our health and wellbeing and also impacts our ability to concentrate and productivity. Whilst exposure to airborne substances in commercial, social, educational and residential premises can be assessed with reference to COSHH, it is sometimes more appropriate to refer to other guidelines and building standards such as WHO, BREEAM and WELL.

Elevated concentrations of dust in the workplace can also affect the performance of electronic equipment and reduce site visibility leading to other safety concerns and, together with other fumes and gases, potentially increase the wear of mechanical components and become a fire or explosion risk.

DustScanAQ consultants have experience of conducting over 200 aerosol exposure assessments in both indoor and outdoor workplaces and in other indoor environments. We use the latest occupational and area sampling equipment, follow the latest guidance and can advise on all workplace and indoor air quality matters. Please see the specific pages for more details.

Our consultants are also trained by and members of the British Occupational Health Society (BOHS) and DustScanAQ are an official sponsor of the BOHS ‘Breathe Freely’ initiative.

Personal Occupational Exposure

DustScanAQ conduct occupational exposure monitoring of dusts, fumes, vapours, mists, and gases and are experts on dust exposure in particular. 

Workplace Area Monitoring

DustScanAQ conduct indoor and outdoor workplace dust surveys.

Indoor Air Quality

DustScanAQ carry out indoor air quality testing in residential, commercial, industrial and educational premises.

DustScanAQ would be pleased to hear from you if you would like to discuss your requirements and how we can help you with your project, please contact us on 01608 810110 or email info@dustscan.co.uk.

Equipment

DustScanAQ provide low cost dust monitoring solutions. We supply directional and depositional sticky pad dust gauges, gravimetric filter-reference PM10 and PM2.5 samplers and also specify and install real-time air quality and meteorological monitoring equipment. Our dust monitoring equipment has many applications; from compliance requirements to detailed assessments of particulate movements arising from industrial, commercial, construction or other activities. Dust monitoring also provides us with samples used for forensic analysis of potential and actual contamination.