Continuous dust measurement on construction sites now has a common guideline. The Finnish dust measurement guideline Pölymittausohje 2025 describes how dust is measured in the different phases of a construction project and what is required of the measuring system. Loopshore took part in writing the guideline in a working group led by Tampereen Tilapalvelut.

Why the guideline was needed

Legislation sets limits for quartz dust on construction sites. According to the guideline, however, the lack of effective methods for measuring and documenting has made dust control difficult to carry out. Measuring alone is not enough: real-time information is needed to tackle problems in time, and documentation is needed to show afterwards that the measures were sufficient.

The working group, named the dust group, was founded in 2021. First it commissioned a study in which the results of one continuous measuring system were compared with occupational hygiene measurement. When the accuracy was found sufficient, the next step was a guideline for carrying out the measurements reliably in site conditions.

Who wrote the guideline

The guideline was written by Tampereen Tilapalvelut Oy, Sitowise Oy, Cramo Finland Oy, Lahdensivun laitevuokraamo, eGate Smart Building Innovation Oy and Loopshore Oy. The group thus included a client, an expert company, equipment rental companies and two suppliers of measuring systems.

Loopshore took part in writing the guideline. We carried out comparison measurements, commented on the draft, took part in the finalisation meetings in the spring and summer of 2025, and supplied photos of measuring devices on construction sites. In the autumn the finished guideline was reviewed together, and it was published on 31.10.2025.

What the guideline contains

The guideline goes through the phases of a construction project from preparation and design to the site and handover: what initial information is needed, what is written into the documents and how quality is ensured. For the measuring system, the guideline sets requirements, including:

  • continuous, real-time measurement in which the data is stored and transferred automatically
  • alarm limits and notifications, reporting, and the possibility to record observations and actions together with the measurements
  • a measurement interval of no more than five minutes
  • data available for at least five years after the end of the project
  • works on a computer, phone and tablet without installations, with a user interface in at least Finnish, Swedish and English
  • PM4 measured, and PM2.5 and PM1 when needed, as well as the eight-hour average of PM4 for assessing exposure

For placing the measuring devices, the guideline gives practical instructions. The devices are placed in the breathing zone at a height of about 1–2 metres, and not next to ventilation vents, doors or walkways. As a starting point for cost estimates and preliminary design, the guideline gives one device per 150 square metres of work or affected area. Momentary peaks are documented, but they are not interpreted as exceeded limits without information on the work phase, compartmentation, air cleaning and measuring location.

What the guideline means for the client

According to the guideline, the client can require continuous dust measurement already in the preparation phase of the project, and the guideline describes what is then written into the documents in each phase. When the client refers to the guideline, the requirements are the same for all bidders.

The guideline states that eGate and Loopshore, who took part in writing it, meet the requirements defined in it. The guideline also includes an example of dust measurement results from the Loopshore system view.

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