Hi, 

I'm hoping for a little guidnace on measuring levels of (wood) dust in the work place. 

Ideally with a handheld device that both I and Management can use to take readings / samples during site inspections which should help to give us hard data to underpin our risk assessments. The activity is for the cutting of doors, laminate & hardwood flooring etc. Various types of wood, which we do not always know the type.

My other thought was to simply assume a "worst case scenario" in which the 5mg/m3 is being consistently exceeded and to work back from that with appropriate control measures (RPE, LEV extraction etc.)

This isn't my usual area of work so any advice would be apprichiated. 

Do not assume - determine - only by having a known can you advance to try and control the unknowns

Pretty sure dust montoring is not something readily achievable by a hand held device operated by "managers" - certainly not a device whose recommendation has been sought on this forum

You need suitable professional OH advice after which your hieracrchy should always determine PPE as the absolute last resort - 5mg/m3 is not a MEL your target is zero atmospheric wood dust.

Hi Adam, 

We are a woodworking company and Roundtuit is correct. You cannot go by a hand held device. You have to seek the help of professionals to send the samples off to labs etc. we use a company that comes in yearly called SIEnvironmental. very good guys and a in depth report on completion. 

Hope this helps.