What is personal versus area exposure testing?

Personal exposure testing measures what an individual worker actually breathes in during their shift. A small air pump clips onto their belt, and a sampling head sits in their breathing zone (basically near the collar). This gives the most accurate picture of real-world exposure.

Area testing, on the other hand, measures the general air quality in a room or task area. The equipment is placed on a tripod or fixed surface. Area tests are useful for identifying background levels, checking ventilation, or comparing different parts of a building.

Most COSHH assessments use a mix of both.