What is the primary goal of personal air monitoring tests?

The primary goal of personal air monitoring tests is to assess the exposure levels of individual workers. This type of monitoring aims to measure the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers that a worker is exposed to during their job. By collecting samples from the breathing zone of an individual, it becomes possible to determine whether the exposure levels are within safe limits as established by regulatory agencies. This is crucial for the health and safety of workers who may be at risk of asbestos exposure, as it helps in identifying any potential need for protective measures or changes in work practices to minimize exposure.

Personal air monitoring is an essential part of an overall safety program, ensuring that workers are not exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos in their workplace. It focuses specifically on individual exposure rather than general conditions of the environment or equipment, which is what makes it a critical tool in asbestos safety management.