What is one of the areas where DSHS requires an air monitor to operate?

An air monitor must operate outside the decontamination area to ensure accurate and reliable air quality measurements free from contamination from materials being abated. The placement of air monitors in this location allows for the assessment of airborne asbestos fibers and ensures that contamination does not interfere with the readings.

This positioning outside the decontamination area is crucial because it provides a better indication of the ambient air quality surrounding the worksite. It also allows workers to move freely in and out of the decontamination area without the risk of altering the monitoring results, thus maintaining the integrity of the air quality data collected in relation to the abatement process.

In contrast, areas such as the abatement contractor’s office, the administrative building, or a distance of 100 yards from the site may not offer suitable conditions for capturing accurate readings of airborne asbestos, either because of interference from non-abatement activities or because they are too far from the source of potential contamination.