What is the purpose of air monitoring during hazardous waste operations?

The purpose of air monitoring during hazardous waste operations is to detect the presence of harmful contaminants in the air. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of workers, as well as for protecting the surrounding environment. During operations involving hazardous materials, there is often a risk of exposure to toxic substances, volatile organic compounds, or other airborne pollutants that can pose serious health risks.

By continuously monitoring the air quality, organizations can identify harmful contaminants and take necessary precautions to mitigate exposure. This enables them to implement appropriate safety measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation controls, and emergency response procedures, ensuring a safer working environment.

In contrast, monitoring equipment safety, measuring temperature, and assessing cleanup effectiveness are important aspects of hazardous waste operations but serve different purposes that do not directly relate to the immediate need for air quality surveillance.