Industrial Hygiene Testing:
Industrial Hygiene is an important tool in management of workplace exposures whether on the plant floor or the construction site. The promulgation of new lower exposure limits for agents e.g. styrene, formaldehyde, toluene, propylene, n-propanol, carbon disulphide, carbon monoxide, etc. or the presence of high profile agents e.g. hexavalent chromium, lead, manganese, beryllium, etc. require employers to be diligent in ensuring that worker exposure does not exceed exposure limits. Industrial Hygiene is committed to the evaluation and control of worker exposure to chemical agents in the workplace.

Designated Substances
Designated substances are often found in Ontario workplaces and on construction projects. Designated substances include asbestos, silica, lead, isocyanates, ethylene oxide, benzene, arsenic, acrylonitrile, etc. Under the designated substances regulations, the employer is required to conduct an assessment for each designated substance in the workplace. Under Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, it is the responsibility of the project “owner” to perform an assessment to determine whether any designated substances are present at the project site and to prepare a list of substances that are present, before beginning a project.

Occupational Noise Testing:
Noise is everywhere. Damaged hearing can affect an individual’s health and well-being and job performance. A new noise regulation came into effect on July 1, 2007 in Ontario which requires employers to limit worker noise exposure to 85 dBA, to put into place measures to control exposures and to post warning signs where noise exceeds 85 dBA.

Mould Testing:
The number of workplaces that have been involved with the investigation and remediation of mould contamination is continually growing. Mould has the potential to cause adverse health effects or aggravate existing conditions either by the release of mould spores into the air or by the production of substances known as mycotoxins. Therefore, the prevention of amplified mould growth and the prompt remediation of any existing indoor mould growth are extremely important. Inaction on the part of an employer could lead to regulatory orders and fines or criminal prosecution.

Indoor Air Quality Testing:
Indoor air quality is an important issue in our daily lives whether addressing employee concerns and complaints in the workplace or gaining LEED certification for new buildings and renovations of existing buildings. Poor indoor air quality may affect employee health and well-being and/or affect regulatory compliance levels leading to financial losses, regulatory orders and fines, or even criminal prosecutions.