What Does
Exposure Monitoring Mean?
Workplace exposure monitoring is the process of measuring the risk level of certain hazards over the duration of a task or workday. This ensures that the hazard level remains within a tolerable limit. If that limit is exceeded, the work ceases until the risk subsides or further controls can be put in place to mitigate it.
Exposure monitoring measures the duration, amount, and frequency of exposure to hazardous physical, chemical, or biological agents.
Safeopedia Explains Exposure Monitoring
Workers from industries such as construction, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals are exposed to various hazardous situations or substances at work. Exposure to harmful substances beyond permissible limits can lead to acute or chronic health problems. Workplace exposure monitoring ensures that those permissible limits are not exceeded.
Controlling Exposure
A number of substances in the workplace can cause health problems, including dust, vapors, fumes, chemicals, bacteria, fungi, and gases. Regulations such as the UK’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits impose responsibility on employers to control exposure to hazardous substances. Exposure monitoring is one component of these control measures, as it allows a continuous assessment of these risks.
Importance of Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Exposure monitoring must be carried out regularly and with the right procedures. Workplace metrics can fluctuate, and the exposure levels may change over a time period.
Benefits of exposure monitoring to businesses include:
- Selection of adequate control measures
- Identification of hazardous substances and associated health risks
- Ensuring that exposure levels do not exceed permissible limits
- Choosing the right type of PPE, including respiratory protection
- Remaining in compliance with safety regulations
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