MCERTS stands for Monitoring Certification Scheme and was created by the Environment Agency to provide a framework of standards anyone can use to monitor things that affect the environment.

MCERTS covers:

• The standards of performance that your monitoring equipment must meet
• The level your staff must be qualified to
• accrediting laboratories and inspecting sites in line with European and International standards

The benefits of this standard:

• The standard gives you certification of your equipment that is formally recognised in the UK and is accepted internationally.
• Regulators can be confident that monitoring equipment which meets the standard provides reliable monitoring data.
• You can be confident that the equipment you use to monitor air pollution has been thoroughly tested and meets standards that are accepted by UK regulators.
• The standard gives manufacturers an independent approval of the equipment they produce, which will improve their access to international markets and increase their sales in the UK.
• The standard helps ensure the public are given accurate and reliable information about air quality.

Campbell Associates offer a range of indicative ambient particulate monitors with varying levels of MCERTS.

To find out more about this range of Air Quality monitors or get advice on the best monitor for your application give Campbell Associates a call or email today.

01371 871030 | hotline@campbell-associates.co.uk

MCERTS is the certification scheme created by The Environment Agency for equipment, personnel and organisations. The aim of this scheme is to provide delivery vehicle for compliance with European Directives by regulating industrial emissions, monitoring data, equipment and personnel.

MCERTS certification indicates that the performance of the monitoring equipment has been tested under mixed environmental conditions and ensures that the accuracy, reliability and consistency meet the specifications set by the Environment Agency. 

When using equipment for monitoring  air quality/dust for regulatory purposes, it’s crucial to use equipment with MCERTS.

Dust particles can be spilt it various size categories for monitoring. Currently, the focus is PM10 and PM2.5 sized particles which refers to the size and diameter of the particle.

PM10 = 10 um in diameter

PM2.5 = 2.5 um in diameter.

PM = Particle Matter

What are the effects of breathing in dust (Particle Matter)?

PM10 particles can be inhaled into the lungs and cause adverse health effects.

PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, particularly in people who have chronic heart or lung diseases, and reduced lung function growth in children. They cause lung irritation and can worsen asthma and other related medical conditions. Long term exposure has more severe effects such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis.

What does limits should I implement on my construction or demolition site?

According to IAQM guidance for construction and demolition sites and a recent report by King’s College that evaluated nine construction sites, a Site Action Level of 190 µg/m³ for PM10, measured as a 1-hour mean, is recommended.

Using MCerts-certified dust monitors focusing on PM10 particles, which are coarse particles measuring 10 µm in diameter and we are measuring dust deemed to cause significant health risks.

How can I measure PM10 & PM2.5?

Campbell Associates offer several solutions for MCERTS dust monitoring.

The DustSens DM30 monitor has MCERTS for both PM10 & PM2.5.  It provides real-time data alerts and mean average readings into a cloud platform. SMS & Email alerts are setup when exceedances have been hit, alerting workers on site to take action.

The Dust Sentry is another real-time monitor which is available in versions, with a MCERTS certificate for PM10 only & PM10/PM2.5. The monitor can also be upgraded to measure gases like NO2 and VOCs. Please get in touch to discuss your project requirements.