Workplace air monitoring
The measurement of the concentration of airborne hazardous substances in the workplace to assess worker exposure, verify that control measures are effective, and demonstrate compliance with workplace exposure limits. Required where exposure cannot be adequately assessed by other means.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“workplace air monitoring”Exact equivalentCOSHH 2002 regulation 10 requires employers to monitor the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health where it is necessary to ensure maintenance of adequate control or the WEL is not exceeded. Monitoring must be carried out by a competent person using validated sampling and analytical methods. Records must be retained for at least five years (or 40 years for personal monitoring records for carcinogens).
Irish HSA
“workplace air monitoring”Close equivalentThe Chemical Agents Regulations 2001 require employers to assess the exposure of employees to chemical agents. Where the risk assessment indicates that OELs may be exceeded, air monitoring must be carried out by a competent person. Records must be retained.
US OSHA
“air monitoring”Close equivalentOSHA requires air monitoring under substance-specific standards such as 29 CFR 1910.1025 (lead), 29 CFR 1910.1053 (silica) and 29 CFR 1926.1101 (asbestos). Initial monitoring determines whether exposure equals or exceeds the action level; periodic monitoring follows if it does. No single general OSHA air monitoring standard exists equivalent to COSHH regulation 10.
Practitioner note: Sample in the breathing zone during representative work. Static or area sampling does not demonstrate personal exposure compliance.