Know What You’re Breathing: The Importance of Workplace Dust Sampling
When it comes to managing workplace air quality, the first question you need to answer is simple: What exactly are your people breathing in?
Dust exposure is one of the most common, and most underestimated, risks across New Zealand worksites. Whether it’s inhalable wood dust, respirable crystalline silica, or toxic metal particles from welding, the only way to understand your actual risk is through professional dust sampling.
At Verum Group, we provide accurate, on-site dust sampling services to help you identify and manage airborne hazards before they impact worker health.
What Is Dust Sampling?
Dust sampling involves collecting and analysing airborne particles to determine the levels and types of dust present in your work environment. It's a crucial step in understanding the potential health risks to your workers, and ensuring your business meets WorkSafe NZ’s exposure standards.
We specialise in three key types of dust sampling:
Inhalable Dust Sampling
This measures larger airborne particles that can be inhaled into the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Common in industries like agriculture, construction, and woodworking, these particles can cause irritation, inflammation, and long-term respiratory problems.
Respirable Dust Sampling
These finer particles can reach deep into the lungs, causing irreversible damage over time. Respirable dusts include dangerous substances like silica, which is known to cause silicosis and other serious lung diseases.
Metal Dust Sampling
From welding fumes to metal cutting and grinding, airborne metal dust can contain hazardous elements such as lead, chromium, or cadmium. Exposure can lead to heavy metal poisoning or occupational cancer if not properly controlled.
How Dust Sampling Works
Our process is designed to give you clear, accurate results with minimal disruption to your operations:
On-Site Assessment
We visit your workplace to assess the tasks and processes likely to generate airborne dust.Personal Sampling
Monitors are fitted to selected workers over the course of a standard shift, capturing real-time exposure data for the specific dust type(s) you're concerned about.Lab Analysis
Samples are analysed by accredited laboratories to determine the type and concentration of dust particles present.Reporting & Recommendations
We provide an easy-to-understand report comparing your results to national exposure limits. You’ll also receive tailored advice on ventilation, control measures, and PPE to reduce risk.
Why Dust Sampling Matters
Identify invisible risks: Dust levels that appear harmless can exceed safe limits.
Meet regulatory requirements: Dust sampling helps demonstrate compliance with WorkSafe NZ exposure standards.
Improve worker health: Accurate data allows you to target controls where they’re needed most.
Avoid long-term liability: Exposure-related illnesses can take years to appear but carry lasting legal and financial consequences.
Why Choose Verum Group?
With decades of experience in occupational hygiene and a science-first approach, Verum Group offers industry-leading dust sampling services across New Zealand. We don’t just measure, we interpret the results, explain the risks, and help you take action to reduce exposure and protect your team.
Whether you’re managing a construction crew, a manufacturing line, or a high-risk industrial site, our dust sampling services give you the clarity you need to act confidently.