Workers’ exposure to sawdust in sawmills is a significant occupational health concern. Sawdust, a byproduct of cutting, sanding, or drilling wood, can become airborne and easily inhaled during various stages of processing. Prolonged exposure to these fine particles can lead to serious respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Certain types of wood dust are also recognized carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.
Conducting air quality assessments in remote sawmills can be challenging and costly. These locations are often far from urban centers, making travel time and logistics a significant expense. Additionally, the limited availability of qualified professionals in rural areas can increase the cost, as companies may need to pay a premium to attract a specialist willing to travel. Many smaller or remote lumber operations may struggle to afford these assessments regularly, despite their importance for worker safety and regulatory compliance.
LCS Laboratory Inc. has developed an all-inclusive service for self-managed air quality assessment, allowing local safety specialists or designated members of a health and safety committee to conduct air sampling on-site. This eliminates the need for external consultants to travel to remote production sites, saving time and money. Our service includes comprehensive online training, ensuring your personnel have the knowledge and skills to perform accurate air sampling. We provide pre-calibrated, portable air sampling pumps, along with all necessary supplies and consumables. After collecting the samples, simply send them to us for analysis, and we will produce detailed test reports that assess workers’ exposure to airborne contaminants, such as sawdust or other hazardous substances.
Typical hazardous materials around sawmills and drying kilns include:
- hardwood dust,
- softwood dust,
- western redwood dust,
- wood rosins,
- terpenes, and
- formaldehyde.
LCS Laboratory Inc. works closely with clients to develop a customized air sampling strategy tailored to their specific needs, ensuring a thorough and reliable assessment. After finalizing the sampling plan, we provide a formal quote for the service. Once approved, we proceed with the training and testing phases to ensure accurate results.
Benefits of Using LCS Laboratory Inc. Services:
Cost Effectiveness: Save $2,000–$5,000 per sampling session by conducting air sampling in-house.
Time Efficiency: Conduct air sampling on your own schedule, allowing you to gather samples when conditions best reflect typical production levels.
Personnel Training: Receive a training certificate and valuable skills after completing our initial training program, empowering your team for future assessments.
By choosing LCS Laboratory Inc., you gain the skills and tools needed to create a safer work environment for your employees. If you’re ready to enhance workplace safety while saving time and money, email us today to discuss your specific needs. Let us help you take the next step towards better air quality management in your sawmill or lumber facility. Thank you for your interest!
