Overview
One of Cura Terrae’s expert Occupational Hygienists completed Workplace Air Monitoring for Trident Metals, a specialist foundry that supplies the aerospace, aviation, and other industries with sustainable aluminium alloys. Trident Metals’ daily operations involve processes that can release harmful dust and fume into the workplace. With Protecting People integral to their business, Trident Metals approached Cura Terrae to investigate airborne contaminants at their facility. We were able to confirm that metal fume and dust levels were below the Workplace Exposure Limits and provided recommendations to control the risks even further. Proactive health and safety management such as this boosts businesses’ operational efficiency, reputation, and readiness for inspection.
The client
Trident Metals is a specialist foundry that produces high-purity, recycled aluminium alloys for the aerospace and aviation industries. Taking high-grade offcuts, Trident Metals manufacture re-melt primary sow (RSI) blocks which can re-enter the supply chain, creating a closed loop system which is also fully traceable. The company’s approach cuts the carbon dioxide emissions associated with aluminium by up to 98%, and will only become more important as the aerospace and aviation industries transition towards sustainability.
The challenge
Trident Metals recognise that their industry is potentially hazardous. Raw material handling, melting processes, and creation of moulds for alloy casting release metal fume and dust, which can cause sensory irritation, “metal fume fever”, acute pneumonia, and long-term respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological conditions. Because of these possible effects, foundry fume and dust are regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2002).
The solution
Given the potentially hazardous nature of their operations, the regulatory context, and that “Protecting People” is a business priority, Trident Metals requested that Cura Terrae conduct Workplace Air Monitoring at their site. One of our expert Occupational Hygienists visited the facility and undertook personal and static air monitoring, investigating hazardous substances in workers’ breathing zones and in ambient air.
Our consultant was able to confirm that metal fume and dust levels were below Workplace Exposure Limits, which are part of the COSHH Regulations and must not be exceeded. Our consultant created visual representations of the results, which included the effects of Trident Metals’ existing controls. Control measures to reduce the risks of hazardous substances are required by COSHH Regulation 7. To improve safety even more, we recommended targeted improvements, including respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for furnace operatives – to be used only once properly fitted – as well as wet cleaning methods and tipping bay upgrades.
Client benefits
- Workplace Air Monitoring provided evidence of Trident Metals’ compliance with the COSHH Regulations, giving the business confidence going into future audits and inspections.
- Proactive involvement of an Occupational Hygienist and the results of the monitoring demonstrate to Trident Metals’ stakeholders – including future clients – that health and safety is prioritised and managed effectively at the company.
- By identifying and managing potential exposure risks early, Trident Metals minimise the likelihood of downtime due to health incidents or enforcement action.
- By showing commitment to protecting staff wellbeing, Workplace Air Monitoring can increase employee trust and morale, promoting retention of skilled workers in a competitive industry.
Testimonial
Working with Cura Terrae was an excellent experience from start to finish. Their Occupational Hygienist was professional, knowledgeable, and thorough throughout the process. The team took the time to explain each step clearly and provided valuable recommendations to help us further strengthen our existing controls. It was reassuring to confirm that our metal fume and dust levels are well within safe limits, and the detailed report they provided has given us great confidence going into future audits. Cura Terrae’s proactive and supportive approach has been helped us maintain our high standards of health, safety, and environmental responsibility. We would highly recommend their services to any business looking to ensure compliance and protect their workforce.
Mike Dickens Work and Transport Manager
