Environmental factors can lead to poor air quality causing a decline in the physical or emotional health of workers, making it difficult for them to perform their duties. ASE Services can assess air quality to identify potential concerns with items such as:
When mould begins to grow indoors, it can create an unhealthy environment. People may experience difficulties in properly performing their job tasks, they may become ill, and may take time off more frequently. Visual inspections and air quality testing are the most effective way of determining if mould is contributing to an unhealthy environment. ASE Services uses specialized equipment, such as thermal cameras, moisture meters, and air sampling tools, to locate problem areas and measure air quality. If mould is determined to be an issue, ASE Services will assist with managing the remediation of any mould impacted areas.
If a product, such as surface coatings or paint, contains more than 90 parts per million of lead it is considered to be lead containing. Over-exposure to lead can cause many acute and long term health concerns that affect the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems. Current legislation states that lead containing materials must be identified and controls put in place to ensure that workers are not exposed to unsafe levels of lead dust. ASE Services uses specialized sampling equipment, such as a handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine, to measure lead content in various building materials. We can also assist our client with abating lead containing materials.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems ensure that air is being circulated through proper filters and that the temperature and humidity are being maintained at comfortable levels. When not working properly, the interior environment can become uncomfortable for occupants and this may cause health issues. Properly assessing the indoor air can help you address your HVAC deficiencies and create a healthier indoor environment. ASE Services will use specialized equipment to determine if your indoor air meets the provincial guidelines for occupied spaces. Results of the assessment will be used to provide recommendations for any necessary adjustments.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps from the ground and can become elevated in the indoor environment causing respiratory health issues. ASE Services can test radon levels to ensure that they are safe for workers and occupants. If higher levels are identified, various measures can be taken to reduce radon in that environment.
Silica is one of the most common hazards on a worksite, particularly in the construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. It is found in most concrete, plaster and mudding materials or in any material where sand and rock are components of that product. Occupational Health and Safety regulates exposure to silica because it can cause severe lung diseases including Silicosis and Cancer. If an employer knows that it will be impacting a silica based product, it is their responsibility to ensure that their employees, and other building occupants, are not overexposed. Air monitoring is a cost-effective method to determine levels of exposure and ensure that the environment is safe. ASE Services specializes in air sampling to determine the levels of silica in the air.
All welding processes release hazardous byproducts in the form of smoke or fumes from the heated metal particulate or gases used. Industrial hygiene monitoring will measure the level of contaminants being released. ASE Services will review the current work process, determine the types of contaminants, and will monitor individual workers and the work area. We can assist with ensuring that exposure to these hazards is controlled.
Noise levels above 85 dBs can lead to hearing loss or auditory system damage. In some workplaces high noise levels are unavoidable. It is important for employers to ensure that their workers are not overexposed to high levels of noise. ASE Services can conduct a noise assessment of your workplace that includes individual noise testing and noise mapping of the work area and equipment. This will determine if any further controls should put in place.
If you are working towards achieving LEED Accreditation for your building, ASE Services can assist you with completing the air quality portion of the assessment. ASE Services, in partnership with Teritt Environmental, has successfully conducted indoor air quality assessments for LEED Accreditation over the last number of years in schools, office buildings, and municipal buildings.
Contact ASE Services to conduct indoor air monitoring or industrial hygiene testing in your workplace today!