Where should the air monitor be placed in relation to the worker?

Placing the air monitor in the worker's breathing zone inside the work area is essential because this location allows for the most accurate measurement of the air quality that workers are actually experiencing. The breathing zone is typically defined as the area within a 6-8 inch radius around a worker's mouth and nose, which directly reflects the air they inhale during their tasks. Monitoring in this zone ensures that any airborne contaminants, including asbestos fibers, are detected in real-time, providing crucial data for assessing exposure levels and implementing necessary safety measures.

Other potential placements, such as in the break room or at the entrance of the work area, would not effectively capture the exposure conditions that workers face during their activities. Additionally, placing the monitor outside the work area would not provide accurate data on the airborne contaminants in the immediate environment where workers are engaged in tasks. Thus, ensuring the monitor is positioned in the breathing zone is vital for effective air quality management and worker safety in environments involving hazardous materials.