BHP Laboratories is the largest independent testing company in Ireland providing a wide range of engineering & scientific measuring, testing and analysing services to numerous industries throughout Ireland and the UK. BHP Laboratories provides a comprehensive Dust Monitoring service. Our services include the monitoring and control of dust for commercial and industrial facilities, construction projects and more. We provide dust measurements and surveys, dust consulting services, dust studies and assessments and testing services.

Our technicians have extensive experience of undertaking dust monitoring across a range of sectors. We provide these services with a fleet of fully equipped vehicles and field operatives covering all of Ireland.

The most common dust monitoring method required in Ireland is the Bergerhoff method VDI 4320 Part 2. The input of atmospheric matter is determined over the planned period of measurement, usually one month, by exposing the collecting jars to ambient air. The sample is then evaporated down and the dry residue is determined gravimetrically, the result being reported in g/(m2d) or mg/(m2d).

• Operational Dust Monitoring: Routine dust surveys as stipulated under planning license or operational conditions by local authorities. BHP complete all aspects of the work at the specific time required.
• Construction Dust Monitoring: On site set up and monitoring during specific works to demonstrate compliance with maximum dust limits. This work will normally involve a baseline survey for a month to assess dust variation followed by compliance testing during the project.
• Hire/Sales of Dust Stands: There are two components to the set-up of dust monitoring on site. The first is the stand. Each location will require a stand. These are a specific design as per the standard. Once the stand is in place, the pot (a glass jar) is inserted and left with its lid off and the top totally exposed to the air.
• Standards: Dust from construction, transport, or industry can disturb communities. The following standards help to assess and manage this:
  • BS 1747 Part 1: Methods for the measurement of air pollution.
  • VDI 4320 Part 2 Measurement of atmospheric depositions – Determination of the dust deposition according to the Bergerhoff method.