I have some burners on a scrap metal site, they are using oxy to burn various metals, predominately steel that is free from paint etc. However, occasionally other metals come in that require burning / cutting. Inorder to comply with coshh i need to fully understand what fumes are being generated. I'm looking for a firm to either hire me the equipment and then undertake sample analysis or complete the task for me. Can anyone point me in the right direction to find someone to assist me? Many Thanks Michael

Hi Michael Theres lots of variables here - types of metals, air flow in the building, time spent burning, existing control measures - that should all form part of your risk assessment/COSHH assessment - as Bob says, we have very little information to go on. I think the best course of action may be to discuss any requirements with an Occupational Health provider who should be able to advise on the types of personal monitoring required. Two things I would say -despite having the metals free of paint other contaminennts on the metals can produce harmful emissions when the torch is applied for examples oils, greases and other coatings, second point, the type of metal can sometimes produce harmful particulate or fumes - one that springs to mind is the fumes emitted from stainless steel which can contain chromium which has been linked to cancers (althought temperatures may not be high enough in burning to produce this - someone more experienced in that field can correct me). You're right in identifying that you need to get a handle on exposure levels - Occ Health should be able to steer you in the right direction with regards monitoring.

Many thanks for help and guidance - am on the right route now