General Dust Monitoring
Inhalable and respirable dust gravimetric exposure assessment
What Is General Dust Monitoring?
General dust monitoring (also called nuisance dust or PNOC monitoring) measures inhalable and respirable particulate fractions in the workplace breathing zone. Inhalable dust captures particles up to 100 µm that enter the nose and mouth; respirable dust captures the sub-4 µm fraction reaching the gas exchange region of the lungs.
Results are compared against the WES of 10 mg/m³ for inhalable dust and 3 mg/m³ for respirable dust (TWA-8h). Where specific contaminants like silica or metals may be present, speciation analysis is recommended alongside gravimetric totals.
How Is It Done?
Personal sampling using IOM sampler (inhalable) or cyclone (respirable) with pre-weighed filter cassettes. Gravimetric analysis at NATA-accredited laboratory.
When You Need This
- +Visible dust generation during manufacturing or processing
- +Baseline exposure assessment for new operations
- +Compliance monitoring under WHS Regulations
- +Health surveillance triggers or worker complaints
- +Pre-purchase due diligence for facility acquisition
Relevant Standards
Common Industries
Related Monitoring
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