Australia is known for its generally hot, dry weather. It has a variable climate that brings frequent droughts that usually last for several seasons. And due to the country’s relatively low level of humidity, strong winds, and lack of rain, bushfires can spread faster in most places in the country. Because of this, dust spreads rapidly in the areas near the bushfire. Moreover, this can affect the businesses operating within the vicinity, which is why dust monitors in Australia are an important tool for businesses.
Dust monitoring is also important in various industries like mining and construction. Even the tiniest dust particles can be health and safety concerns for everyone within the organisation. It can affect a person’s health and the overall business operation. So, if your company is yet to consider monitoring the level of dust in your work area, these reasons can help you make a solid decision.
To Implement Air Quality Management
The presence of dust can have an adverse effect on all individuals. It can be the cause of various health hazards like eye irritation, fatigue, and headaches. Dust particles can also trigger respiratory ailments like coughing and sneezing. So, if your company frequently deals with poor quality indoor air, you will see an increase in absenteeism in your workforce because the employees are always sick.
Meanwhile, buying dust monitors in Australia can help companies monitor the air quality in their work area. The device can provide vital and accurate information about the dust exposure levels of your business. As a result, it will let you identify the safe working practices that you must implement in your company.
Also, dust monitors are created to perform the following tasks:
- Classify site-gathered dust.
- Measure dust volume.
- Find out appropriate dust management techniques.
- Establish dust control programs.
- Extend observation of airborne particles.
- Enforce measures for dust control.
To Comply With Regulatory Requirements
Dust monitoring is necessary for businesses as required by various regulatory bodies. For example, Section 49 of Australia’s Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires all business owners to ensure that everyone in the workplace is not exposed to any dust or substance in an airborne concentration that goes beyond the standard exposure levels. It means that companies must use a documentation process to manage dust and implement a strict monitoring practice to ensure that the dust exposure in their company is limited to an acceptable level.
Also, Section 136 of Australia’s Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2001 stated that businesses should follow all the relevant national standards for analysis or monitoring. These standards look at the measurable fraction, including:
- Respirable dust
- Inhalable dust
- Lead
- Crystalline silica
- Other measurable airborne dust
Non-compliance to these regulations may not only incur violations for your business but will also expose the staff directly to air pollution that may cause various illnesses. So it would be best to invest in dust monitoring equipment to avoid problems with the law and health hazards to the employees.
In short, monitoring the dust levels in the workplace is a must for all businesses in Australia exposed to excessive levels of dust. And, the companies may use various equipment like filter cartridges, constant flow sampling pumps, and suitable cyclones to help assess the air quality in the workplace. So, if your company belongs to industries that have a higher risk of dust exposure or if you are located near a place prone to fiery bushfires, finding high-quality dust monitors must be on top of your priorities.
