Vapour check
June 1st 2004

Organic solvents are widely used in industry and present a potential health hazard to those workers who are exposed to them.

To establish that exposure is kept to acceptable limits, it is important to monitor solvent vapour levels in the working atmosphere as part of a risk assessment. Processes should then be monitored regularly to check the continued effectiveness of any control measures that have been put in place.

Personal monitoring of solvent exposure levels can be carried out using special badges from Satra.

A lightweight badge is fastened, for example, onto the collar of an operative who wears it throughout the working day. At the end of this time, the badge is re-sealed in its packet and returned to Satra for analysis.

Satra then supplies a report detailing the various solvent levels in the working atmosphere and comparing these with current internationally recognised exposure limits.

The solvent vapour badges are sent through the post and can also be used by overseas companies.

Benefits claimed include: reliable and accurate measurement of solvent vapour level; measurements that are taken when operatives are working; ease of use; and a positive step towards reducing health risks.

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