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Contact us today to schedule dust monitoring or speak with a specialist about workplace exposure risks.

Dust monitoring

Why test for dust in New Zealand workplaces?

Airborne dust in New Zealand workplaces can present significant health risks for workers, contractors and building occupants. Dust is produced from many common materials such as timber, flour, grain, silica, cement and various metals. Each dust type can lead to different health effects depending on its composition. For example, hardwood dust is classified as a human carcinogen, while flour dust is a known sensitiser that can trigger occupational asthma and other allergic reactions. All airborne dusts are considered hazardous because they may contribute to respiratory irritation, chronic lung disease and longer-term health impacts.

Workplace dusts are grouped into two key categories:

  • Inhalable dust – this is the portion of dust that can be taken into the mouth and nose during normal breathing.
  • Respirable dust – this refers to the smaller fraction of particles, typically ten microns or less, that can travel deep into the lungs, including the lower airways and alveoli.

Testing dust levels in the workplace is essential to:

  • Protect health – inhalable and respirable dust can cause irritation, allergic responses, asthma and long-term respiratory disease.
  • Meet NZ compliance requirements – the Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to monitor airborne contaminants and ensure effective control measures are in place.
  • Improve workplace performance – dust monitoring helps identify contamination sources, evaluate how well controls are functioning and support ongoing improvements in occupational hygiene programs.
Hardwood dust

FAQs

  • When is dust monitoring required on a project?

    Dust monitoring is typically required where construction, demolition or industrial activities have the potential to generate airborne dust that could impact workers, nearby buildings or the surrounding environment. It is often used to demonstrate that appropriate controls are in place and working effectively.

  • Can dust issues stop or delay construction works?

    Yes. Elevated dust levels can lead to complaints, site restrictions or intervention from regulators. In some cases, works may need to be modified or temporarily stopped until dust levels are brought under control.

  • When is dust monitoring required to meet council or consent conditions?

    Dust monitoring is often required as part of council approvals or environmental management plans to demonstrate compliance with site-specific limits.

How we test for dust

ALS follows New Zealand industry best practice to measure dust exposure and help businesses maintain safe and compliant work environments.

Our approach involves:

  • Personal dust monitoring – workers wear sampling pumps that measure dust levels directly within the breathing zone.
  • Area dust monitoring – fixed sampling equipment is used to quantify dust concentrations in specific workplace locations.
  • Gravimetric laboratory analysis – accredited laboratories analyse inhalable and respirable dust samples and compare the findings with New Zealand exposure limits.
  • Targeted dust testing – testing can be tailored for silica, timber dust, flour dust, grain dust and metal particulates depending on your activities.
  • Dust source identification – we assess and map potential dust sources to support the design of effective control strategies.
  • Clear, practical reporting – results are benchmarked against recognised standards and include clear recommendations for reducing dust exposure and improving workplace safety.

FAQs

  • What is dust monitoring and what does it measure?

    Dust monitoring involves measuring airborne particulate levels in the environment to assess exposure risks and potential impacts. This can include real time monitoring of dust concentrations during site activities.

  • How does real-time monitoring reduce project risk?

    Real-time monitoring allows site teams to immediately identify increases in dust levels and respond before limits are exceeded. This helps maintain control of site conditions and reduces the risk of disruption.

  • What types of dust can be monitored?

    Monitoring programs can measure a range of particulates, including general dust, respirable dust and other airborne contaminants depending on the nature of the site and activities being undertaken.

  • What happens if dust levels exceed acceptable limits?

    If elevated dust levels are detected, control measures may need to be reviewed and improved. This could include changes to work practices, additional suppression measures or temporary suspension of activities until levels are reduced.

 
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