Occupational Hygiene Services

We offer a range of Occupational Hygiene Services including:

Lead based Paint Surveying and Testing Services:

  • Lead air testing services
  • Lead surveying and identification
  • Personal monitoring for those removing lead-containing materials
  • Development of site-specific RAMS

Lead paint was used in Irish homes and premises extensively up to its ban in 1980. It offered great colour clarity and longevity in its era of use. Over time lead paint may have been overpainted and may exist beneath existing wall coverings. It is vital to identify the presence of this paint in your home or workplace before any refurbishment and/or demolition works. Exposure to lead has a number of health implications when it is inhaled or ingested through the oral entry route. Abrading, sanding or hot work involving lead, or lead that is in flaking condition all pose a health hazard risk.

Lead is a heavy metal compound and children are predominantly susceptible to exposure due to their increased respiratory and metabolic rate. Our service includes identifying whether this paint is present in your home by use of X-ray fluorescence. This method means that there is no physical disturbance to surfaces like other methods, such as taking physical samples of the painted surface, which damage surfaces and leave them in need of repair.

For information regarding working with lead please see the HSA publication below:

https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Chemical_and_Hazardous_Substances/Safety_with_Lead_at_Work.pdf

As of March 2022 an article published by the New York Times indicates that approximately half a million children under 6 years of age in the US have been exposed to lead. This is thought to have risen due to the covid-19 pandemic with increased amounts of time spent at home. Please see New York Times article titled “How 2 Industries Stymied Justice for Young Lead Paint Victims” for more information.

Lead Surveys

Our Lead Surveys are conducted using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyser, which provides instantaneous results that enables the swift identification of Lead (Pb) containing materials within a building. This allows for a quick report turn-around time. Lead (Pb)containing materials constitute a particular risk within the meaning of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations. Lead (Pb) was used in buildings up until its ban in Ireland in 1980. Thus, any building pre- dating this time should have a lead-paint survey done to rule out the presence of lead paint prior to works likely to cause disturbance. Lead (Pb) is one of the first known Occupational Hazards and there are various health implications associated with exposure to lead (Pb) dust, fume and vapour.

Mould investigation and sampling Services

Indoor Mould Identification:

About Safety Limited offer a mould identification and air monitoring service for anyone who has a visible growth of mould in their home or workplace.

Due to climate change and improvements in build quality over the past number of years in Ireland, we are seeing an increase in growth of micro-organisms in the indoor environment. Temperature changes, dampness and humidity provide the ideal conditions for these micro-organisms to thrive in the premises. Mould can cause an array of health problems involving the respiratory system, such as asthma, hayfever and itchy/red eyes. Long term exposure to mould can cause increased sensitivity to spores and may lead to further respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, cough or pneumonitis.

Mould is a general term, which refers to a group of filamentous fungi that are common on food or wet materials or where surfaces are ripe for growth. Most moulds are spore forming, or ascomycetes and can readily travel throughout buildings in air currents, depositing on surfaces where conditions are suitable for them to thrive. These conditions include:

  • Roof leaks causing internal water damage
  • Rainfall that penetrates old window frames that may have become warped or cracked
  • Damp basements or crawl spaces
  • Leaking pipes
  • Any area where condensation is likely to occur In recent years the requirement for mould testing has increased in Ireland due to climate change and improved compliance with Health and Safety Standards.
  • About Safety Limited offer walkthrough surveys and visual inspections to ascertain the prevalence of mould in the building.
  • Swab testing to investigate mould type and determine whether it is a toxic strain or not.
  • Identification of areas of damp in the building that contribute to increased levels of mould growth.
  • Air testing to quantify if there is a potential for spores to become airborne within a building. This will determine if background levels are safe for normal occupation.

For more information on indoor air quality in the home please see the World Health Organisation (WHO) publication on indoor mould:

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/air-quality/publications/2009/damp-and-mould-health-risks,-prevention-and-remedial-actions2/who-guidelines-for-indoor-air-quality-dampness-and-mould