Uses and selection of equipment for engineering control monitoring

Control monitoring (continuous multipoint monitoring of workplace air) has been used in a number of industries to help control worker exposure to a wide variety of contaminants. Control problems were identified and effective control has been maintained by keeping workers and management aware of pollutant levels in the workplace. To be used effectively, the control monitoring system must be viewed as an integral part of workplace control. In this report, the general uses of control monitoring equipment are given, the factors to be considered in choosing equipment for control monitoring purposes are discussed, and a number of advances such as the development of sampling and data acquisition and display components that would help to promote the future use of control monitoring equipment are given. The role of control monitoring in workplace control is examined by looking at the interactions of the control monitoring system with the other elements of workplace control (engineering control devices, work practices, and personal protective equipment).