Ground Gas Monitoring: Essential Safety Measures

When sites are close to potential sources of ground gas, such as landfills, monitoring becomes a crucial safety step. Typically, if there’s a landfill within 250 meters of a site, it’s a standard practice to initiate ground gas monitoring. This precaution helps ensure that any hazardous gases, like methane and carbon dioxide, don’t pose a risk to health or the environment.

The Process

The monitoring process is hands-on and precise. It starts with drilling boreholes, usually deeper than 5 meters, into the ground. We then install a special monitoring setup, which includes a slotted vertical plastic pipe encased in gravel. This apparatus, sealed with a rubber stopper and equipped with a gas tap, allows for accurate gas level readings.

Our engineers carry out regular site visits over a set period, meticulously recording gas concentrations. This isn’t a one-off task but a consistent check that tracks any changes in gas levels.

Adhering to Standards: BS 8485:2015+A1:2019

Following the guidelines set out in BS8485, we calculate a Gas Screening Value (GSV) from the collected data. This critical figure informs the next steps — it helps determine what safety measures or remedial actions are necessary to keep the site safe and compliant with health and environmental standards.

Our Commitment

At Ground Consultants Limited, we’re dedicated to maintaining safety and integrity on all sites. Our ground gas monitoring services are carried out with the utmost attention to detail and adherence to regulatory standards. We believe in proactive measures, thorough data analysis, and robust safety protocols to ensure every project stands on safe ground.