Case Studies - Work Environment

Preventing Asbestos Disease in Building Maintenance Staff
In May 2004, a new duty to manage asbestos materials in premises came into force. HSL has conducted a baseline study of asbestos exposure in industrial plumbers which emphasised the need to manage asbestos-containing materials in buildings and the importance of the new regulations.
  Learn more

Raising awareness of asthma risks in motor vehicle repair (MVR)
Two-pack paints are used extensively for repainting vehicles in the MVR industry. The presence of isocyanates in the paints, however, presents risks to operators. HSL has investigated the use of two-pack paints in MVR so that a more effective means of controlling exposure can be developed.
  Learn more

Exposure to diesel exhaust emissions in mines
Diesel powered vehicles and equipment are used in virtually all coal and non-coal mines in the UK. HSL has investigated exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions in mines and the methods that could be used to control them.
  Learn more

Video as a risk communication tool
Effective risk communication with employers and employess is critical in reducing occupational ill-health. HSL has combined video recording and simultaneous measurement of exposure to physical and chemical agents to demonstrate potential risks in a visual and easy to understand way.
  Learn more

Exposure to pesticide residues on agricultural spraying equipment
During the application of agricultural pesticides some of the active ingredients will be deposited on the spray equipment. Without effective cleaning, people subsequently working with the machinery could be inadvertently exposed to the pesticide residues.
  Learn more

Industrial survey on metalworking fluid
HSL has carried out an industrial survey to collect up-to-date information on exposure and controls in workplaces where modern metalworking fluids are used.
  Learn more

Asbestos in bulk materials
HSL took part in a collaborative project to develop a quantitative analytical method for the measurement of asbestos contamination in bulk materials.
  Learn more

Pesticide smoke generators
HSL carried out a study to characterise the behaviour of pesticide smoke generators under controlled and real application conditions so that risks during their use could be better understood.
  Learn more

Release of chloramines from swimming pools & processing of salad vegetables
Chlorine in water, for instance in swimming pools or that used to wash lettuce and other salad vegetables for the 'ready-to-eat' market, can react with organic matter to form chloramines, which are eye and respiratory irritants.
  Learn more


Assessment of flooring in the Millennium Galleries, Sheffield
HSL scientists undertook an assessment of the slip resistance characteristics of the flooring of the Millennium Galleries prior to the opening of the building, and recommended certain improvements.
  Learn more

Reducing exposure to vibration in the cast stone industry
HSL and HSE, in association with the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association, conducted a series of visits to cast stone premises to gain a better understanding of the risks of vibration injury and to assess the effectiveness of potential solutions.
  Learn more

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) fit testing
In many cases the optimum performance of Respiratory Protective Equipment is not obtained because of poor fit of the facemask. HSLhas evaluated fit testing methods, and routinely provides two quantitative methods to test the fit of RPE as well as advice on selection and use.
  Learn more

Visualisation as an aid to understanding & controlling exposure
This technique allows the exposure of workers to harmful substances to be examined at each stage of a job alongside the specific activities being performed.
  Learn more

Mass decontamination following exposure to toxic materials
Speedy and efficient decontamination of casualties exposed to toxic or corrosive materials is essential. HSL assessed the decontamination efficiency of six Mass Decontamination Units as part of a comprehensive field trial.
  Learn more

Testing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use with high pressure water jetting equipment
HSL scientists with expertise in high pressure systems and PPE worked with industry on a project aimed at determining the protection afforded by PPE against blunt trauma caused by water jetting equipment.
  Learn more

Use of improved footwear to reduce slipping accidents
HSL pedestrian safety specialists supervised a number of footwear trials in real workplace situations to evaluate the effect of footwear choice on the incidence of slipping accidents.
  Learn more

  Back to the top