Solvent Vapour & Fume Risk Assessment Services

Solvent vapour is the gaseous form of solvents, chemicals that dissolve other substances. These vapours are released into the air when solvents evaporate, often during industrial processes, cleaning, or painting. Inhalation of solvent vapours and fumes can pose health risks such as respiratory issues, eye and skin irritation, dizziness, and, in severe cases, long-term neurological damage. Proper ventilation and protective measures are essential to mitigate these risks. This is where our services can help.

In the UK, legislation and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulate workplace exposure to harmful chemicals. This often involves monitoring solvent vapour concentrations using various techniques and equipment. Companies need to select the appropriate monitoring method and ensure results are correctly analysed by competent personnel. These measurements are vital for assessing health risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and making informed decisions about necessary control measures.

At Blue Turtle, we understand that accurate solvent vapour measurements are crucial when assessing health risks. Our structured approach ensures the right techniques are used for each process. Our professional and friendly service includes a visit from a trained Occupational Hygienist who assesses workplace exposures, practices, and controls. A typical assessment includes:

Personal Air Sampling: Checking exposures against regulatory limits.
Prevention: Exploring alternative methods for tasks.

Engineering Controls: Reviewing and testing current controls, including LEV systems.

Procedural Controls: Evaluating maintenance regimes and work practices.

PPE/RPE: Assessing the adequacy of protective equipment.

Each survey concludes with a detailed report outlining monitoring results, control effectiveness, improvement recommendations, and legislative compliance gaps. Our experienced consultants provide practical advice to help businesses manage workplace health hazards effectively.

At Blue Turtle, we encourage all work activities involving solvents to be subject to periodic risk assessments to identify hazards and confirm control measures. Measuring vapour levels is an essential part of this strategy. A Workplace Exposure Monitoring Survey for Solvents/VOCs should be carried out if:

• You carry out work involving spray paints, adhesives/glues, pesticides etc. but have never undertaken occupational exposure monitoring to assess solder fume exposures to personnel.
• You are looking to start working with products that contain VOCs and are looking for advice on what controls should be considered.
• You have had cases of ill-health relating to solvent/VOCs vapour exposures.
• Changes have been made to the process and a survey is required to check that controls are still effective.
• It is also advised if it has been more than 12 months since your last exposure monitoring survey to repeat this to confirm that controls remain effective.

Interpreting results helps determine immediate actions or planned improvements needed to reduce exposure. Integrating solvent monitoring results into a health and safety management system demonstrates good practice and aids in planning, measuring, and reviewing workplace safety. Speak to our team today to find our how Blue Turtle can help your business with health and safety.