MWI Consultants

Workplace exposure assessments involve determining which chemical or biological hazards exist within the workplace and then sampling to determine if levels are within tolerances established by ACGIH, as required by the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act (Part 36). Consulting services would include an evaluation of the workplace, determination of applicable chemical substances to be analyzed, collection of the samples and interpretation of the results.

Samples are collected according to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) or other applicable standards and are analyzed by laboratories accredited by AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association), CALA (Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation) or other applicable agency.

MWI Consultants

We offer a wide variety of services related to workplace exposure assessments, including the following services:

• Welding exposure assessments, including metals analysis according NIOSH Method 7303 and NIOSH 0500/0600 md-Gravimetric Hygiene Methods. This could include situations where it had been found by Manitoba Labour and Immigration Workplace Safety and Health Division that the assessments of chemical and biological substances in the workplace were absent or not adequate.
• Workplace exposure to specific chemicals present in the workplace. Examples would include exposures to chemicals used in printing applications, paint spray booths (isocyanates), industrial solvents (xylene, toluene and more), resin coating, industrial strippers, paints and glues. Testing can be performed for short-term exposures, longer-term exposures, single day testing, or testing can be repeated over a certain period.
• Noise Level Assessments. Noise levels can be a significant health and safety issue in some workplaces. A noise assessment survey can be done to determine noise levels either at different times of the day, or with different types of equipment in operation. As these types of surveys are highly customized, we would recommend contacting us with the details of your particular situation in order to proceed.

A comprehensive final report will be prepared, including an interpretation of the results against current and proposed occupational exposure limits published by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), as well as any recommendations regarding general ventilation rates or the level of respiratory protection or other personal protective equipment that would be appropriate.

If you are interested in sampling for occupational exposures but are unsure as to how to proceed, please fill out the “request a quote” form and we will contact you to determine an appropriate course of action.

Noise can be a great source of stress for people of all ages, and more so for the elderly and those who have a low tolerance to noise due to physiological or psychological reasons. In general, however, noise at a certain level provides an unhealthful environmental for normal and healthful living. The extreme conditions that drive people beyond the limits of sanity is a common situation: a neighbor who, after ten years, finally breaks down and kills a neighbor who cannot bring down his music volume. In many cases, just the humdrum of the vehicles in a city over a long period can cause some people to develop hypertension or insomnia and the corresponding more serious illnesses that develop from either condition.

In the workplace, conditions are maintained to provide a desirable occupational atmosphere. In offices, noise cannot be allowed to go beyond a low decibel allowable for quiet thinking and conversation. In factories, the noise of equipment and other noise sources (outdoor traffic, ambient noise from commercial establishments, etc.) should be regulated through the use of noise-reduction techniques: double-walled partitions, ear plugs, curtains, etc.

In our modern scientific era, it is no longer enough to depend on arbitrary means to determine what is healthful and what unhealthful noise-level is. Neither can people merely tolerate noise levels beyond the normal threshold. Technology allows us to measure and control noise levels in order to ascertain that the health of workers and other people concerned is safeguarded and maintained. For those who may not be aware, there are professional consultants, such as MWI Consultants, that provide exactly this kind of service.

Noise level determination will no longer be done through guesswork or merely using arbitrary standards which will vary according to environment or people. Environmental standards set by public ordinances or regulations provide a benchmark (the “no-complaint” zone) upon which anyone can set comfortable levels of ambient noise in any situation.