Chauvin Arnoux Health and Safety Kit

A variety of different factors must be considered when designing and maintaining a safe working environment for employees. Aside from obvious risks such as heavy machinery or frequent lifting, a range of other less obvious variables can contribute to serious work-related ill health. With 25.7 million working days lost to work-related ill health in 2016/17, monitoring and controlling these variables can benefit businesses and staff by providing a safer, more comfortable workspace.

Electromagnetic Fields

Exposure to high levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation has been linked with several health issues including sleep disorders, headaches, fatigue, lowered immune systems and hormonal issues. EMFs are present in virtually every workplace because of the large number of electrical devices but exposure is very usually very small and poses minimal risk.

Industries where EMF exposure is considered problematic include healthcare, electricity distribution, telecommunications and transport. The Chauvin Arnoux VX0100 EMF Meter quickly measures electromagnetic pollution levels, thus allowing the user to comply with the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 that define acceptable exposure limits for staff.

Noise

Exposure to consistent loud noises is well known to cause hearing problems and is regulated by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. A quieter working environment makes it easier for employees to notice hazards and noise exposure has led to 17,000 cases of tinnitus, deafness and other hearing-related conditions as well as 75% of occupational disease claims. The Chauvin Arnoux CA832 Sound Meter can measure noise from 37dB to 130dB and has a specific frequency weighting curve for the human hearing range which is ideal for assessing environmental noise.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, colourless, odourless gas that can be produced when combustion appliances burn fuel inefficiently. This can include boilers, engines, and generators and CO poisoning poses a serious health risk to anyone exposed. The Chauvin Arnoux CA895 CO Meter can detect very small concentrations of CO and makes sure that appliances are in good working order.

Light

Light sometimes goes unconsidered when employers are looking at Health & Safety but is in fact an important contributing factor to employee wellbeing. Not only does a well lit space allow people to see hazards, avoiding glare, flicker and stroboscopic effects which can cause fatigue and discomfort. The Chauvin Arnoux CA1110 Light Meter has a large measurement range for Lux and a detachable sensor so that measurements can be taken in precise positions.

Turbulence

Two of the most important factors when it comes to employees’ comfort are the temperature and humidity conditions. Good circulation of air prevents rooms from becoming too stuffy although it is possible for heat loss when warm air is circulated too much and cold air can be perceived as a draft. The user can keep track of air movements and temperature with the Chauvin Arnoux CA1227 Thermo Anemometer.

Humidity is another major factor that determines comfort in the work place. An overly humid (+80%) atmosphere prevents sweat from evaporating off the skin and therefore can make employees very hot whilst a low humidity can lead to respiration problems. The Chauvin Arnoux CA1246 Thermohygrometer allows the user to measure both humidity and air temperature.

Chauvin Arnoux Health and Safety Environmental Tester Kit

All of the instruments mentioned in this blogpost are available from Test-Meter and it is now possible to purchase the whole set as part of the Chauvin Arnoux Health and Safety Environmental Tester Kit, available for just £1309.00.