What is the primary purpose of exposure monitoring under OSHA standards?

The primary purpose of exposure monitoring under OSHA standards is to find out if workers are exposed to harmful levels of substances. This monitoring is critical because it measures the concentration of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, in the air that employees are breathing. By determining whether exposure levels exceed established permissible limits, employers can take necessary actions to protect workers' health, which includes implementing control measures, ensuring appropriate personal protective equipment is used, or even restricting access to certain areas.

The focus of exposure monitoring is fundamentally about health and safety. It provides tangible data that can be essential for informing risk assessments and workplace safety practices. When monitoring indicates harmful levels of substances, it serves as a direct trigger for appropriate interventions to reduce exposure and safeguard worker health.