Which assessments does a typical factory need?

Usually a noise survey, a chemical risk assessment with air monitoring for the main processes, LEV tests on extraction systems, an illumination survey and an ergonomics assessment, plus heat or vibration where relevant. Our free Compliance Gap Analysis checklist shows what applies to your site.

How often must our extraction systems be tested?

At intervals not exceeding 24 months, under regulation 12(b) of the Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents, 2021. The test must show that the system captures the contaminant, not only that the fan runs.

Why is stainless steel welding treated differently?

Welding stainless steel releases hexavalent chromium and nickel compounds, which have far lower exposure limits than mild steel fume. A welding fume survey should identify which metals are welded and sample for them.

OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE FOR MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING AND FOUNDRIES

Factories, engineering works and foundries carry more legally required assessments than almost any other workplace: noise, hazardous chemical agents, local exhaust ventilation, heat, vibration and lighting, all on fixed review cycles.

Qualitas carries out these assessments for manufacturers across South Africa, from small fabrication shops to large plants, as a DEL Approved Inspection Authority for noise and hazardous chemical agents.

REACH OUT

Worker cutting steel with an angle grinder as sparks fly

INDUSTRIAL AREAS WE SERVE

Ekurhuleni: Germiston, Wadeville, Alrode and Boksburg

Johannesburg southern industrial areas

Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging

Pretoria: Rosslyn, Silverton and Pretoria West

Durban and Pinetown

Gqeberha and Kariega

Cape Town: Epping and Montague Gardens

The Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 require a noise risk assessment, and monitoring by an approved inspection authority wherever employees may be exposed at or above 85 dB(A).

The Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents, 2021 require a risk assessment for every hazardous chemical agent, air monitoring by an AIA where exposure may be significant, and an examination and test of every local exhaust ventilation system at intervals not exceeding 24 months.

The Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 cover heat, cold, vibration and lighting, and the Lead Regulations apply wherever lead is melted, cut or handled.

THE HAZARDS WE MEASURE IN FACTORIES

Welding and cutting fume, including manganese and hexavalent chromium from stainless steel.

Respirable crystalline silica in foundries, glass, ceramics and stone.

Solvents, isocyanates and resins from painting, coating and composites.

Metalworking fluid mist from machining.

Noise from presses, grinders, compressors and fettling.

Heat near furnaces and kilns, and vibration from hand-held tools.

Interior of a large industrial warehouse with overhead cranes

WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES

Foundry workers in protective gear pouring molten metal

WHY QUALITAS

Qualitas Occupational Consulting is a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) and a SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17020) inspection body for asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemical agents, and applies the same quality system to all its assessments.

Every assessment is led by Christo de Wet, an occupational hygienist registered with the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH), with 15 years of experience.

We work nationwide, and Qualitas has also carried out assessments in Botswana and Kazakhstan. Travel is quoted upfront.

You receive a professional, audit-ready report that stands up to inspection by the Department of Employment and Labour.