PHSC Case studies

Airline caterers

An employee involved in the preparation of meals for in-flight catering complained of poor air quality and ill-health. PHSC were called in to investigate. We investigated the problem and found that the likely cause was contamination of the air-conditioning extract ducts, which were situated near where pepper pots were filled. The pepper dust could have been micro-biologically contaminated, and this could have been circulated around the workplace. An improved programme of duct cleaning was the recommended solution.

Coach company

A coach company commissioned an environmental review, with the objective being to comment upon the environmental impact of the company’s activities, and to assess the value and practicability of working towards a recognised environmental management standard, ISO 14001.

Futon manufacturer

An enforcement authority had visited a futon manufacturer, who used imported wool as filling material. The concern was whether this posed any risk. PHSC were called in to carry out a risk assessment. We found that although the majority of operators were using respiratory protective equipment, none was adequate, because it was not approved (ie not CE marked). Some of the equipment had been in continuous use for months. Although the exposure levels were low, the fibrous nature of the woollen material may cause irritation to the upper airways, so suitable respiratory protective equipment was advisable.

Police helmets

Following concerns raised by police officers, PHSC were requested to determine the noise levels produced by the communication system within head protection helmets. As there was no published methodology for the determination of noise levels from this type of equipment, it was decided that the only way to reach an approximation of the actual noise level was to attempt to simulate a human head. To do this, we constructed a wooden template that could be inserted between the two speakers, at an angle of about 65°, so that the microphone could simulate a human ear. To reduce the reverberation in the helmet cavity, the surface of the block was covered with foam. As a result of our measurements, useful information on optimum volume settings and noise exposure was obtained.

Risks to public in museum

A museum asked PHSC to prepare a report to assist with a Heritage Lottery Fund application. The application concerned the reorganisation and development of the museum site, which was to include an opportunity for the public to witness traditional crafts. The museum had identified that there was a potential for visitors to be placed at risk from exposure to high levels of noise created by the traditional machinery, and inhalation of dust during the associated processes. PHSC was able to advise on an appropriate layout for the site, and the protective measures that would have to be put in place to reduce the risk of exposure to dust and noise.