What triggers the need for increased monitoring in an asbestos worksite?

The need for increased monitoring in an asbestos worksite is primarily triggered by elevated levels of airborne asbestos fibers. When airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers exceed safe limits, it indicates a potential risk to workers' health and necessitates immediate action to ensure safety. These elevated levels can result from various factors, such as disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during work activities or inadequate containment measures. Increased monitoring allows for timely detection of hazardous conditions, enabling employers to implement controls, provide personal protective equipment, or undertake additional mitigation measures to protect workers.

While new construction activities, worker complaints, and regular inspection schedules are important aspects of workplace safety, they do not denote an immediate necessity for increased monitoring unless they are closely related to or resulting in measurable airborne fiber levels that compromise safety.