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Respirable Silica Testing and Consulting Services

Silica or quartz dust, also known as respirable silica, has been identified as potentially harmful to humans. The accumulation of respirable silica inhaled by miners, construction workers, and other trades reduces the lung's capacity to exchange oxygen, which can lead to silicosis, COPD and other respiratory and health issues.

Because silica most commonly becomes respirable when grinding or cutting concrete, mixing powdered materials like cement, or  blasting and drilling rock, OSHA and MSHA have both enacted regulations to limit the maximum Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).  Companies must conduct regular air quality testing and enact safety protocols to keep workers safe and remain compliant. 

RJ Lee Group provides a range of services for mine operators, construction firms, and EH&S consultants to test and analyze samples,  interpret data, and advise on sampling methods and procedures. 

Sampling methods for respirable silica use either a cyclone with a reusable filter cartridge or a parallel particle impactor (PPI) which is disposable. Regular gravimetric testing is used to monitor air quality and ensure compliance with specified permissible exposure limits. 

The geologists and EH&S professionals at RJ Lee Group provide  operators with a full range of services to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance. 

  • Testing of bulk and air samples
  • On-site and off-site testing
  • Developing in-house laboratory capabilities
  • Setting up structured compliance timelines
  • Conducting routine audits tailored to align with MSHA and OSHA standards
PPI sampler
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Analysis with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

RJ Lee Group uses X-ray diffraction (XRD), a powerful, nondestructive technique for characterizing crystalline materials. RJ Lee Group uses the very latest XRD Panalytical Empyrean with BBHD optics and 1Der detector. This state-of-the-art technology gives better resolution and sensitivity, providing very low detection limits for short duration exposures. It also increases throughput and eliminates redundancy, allowing us to offer rapid turnaround times with high quality output. 

We employ a clean plasma ashing
method for air sample preparations, eliminating the filter without leaving ash or other residues that can contaminate samples. 

Why do Our Customers Choose Us?

Quick turnaround
Quick turnaround available
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Low detection limits
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Identification of interferences
teamwork
Scientific consultation
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Increased resolution
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Identifying interferences

RJ Lee Group's state-of-the-art technology allows us to detect silica at very low levels and from short exposures. Our experts leverage this increased sensitivity, coupled with years of experience, to identify iterferences in collected samples. Other minerals, such as mica, clays, kaolin, feldspar, and graphite can greatly reduce the accuracy of test results if they are not properly classified. Identifying these interferences can also alert you to other issues you may not have been aware of.    

Discuss Respirable Silica Testing with an Expert

Schedule a discovery call with one of our scientists to learn more about how we partner with health and safety professionals to create a program that ensures compliance and keeps workers safe.