What safety measure is essential if workers are exposed to toxic gases?

The essential safety measure when workers are exposed to toxic gases is the use of personal monitoring devices. These devices are crucial because they continuously measure the concentration of toxic substances in the air that workers might be inhaling. By providing real-time data, personal monitoring devices enable workers and safety personnel to assess the level of exposure and take appropriate action to mitigate risks. This proactive approach helps ensure that workers are aware of hazardous conditions and can respond accordingly, such as evacuating the area or using protective equipment.

In environments where toxic gases may be present, relying on general measures like high-volume fans can help with ventilation but may not accurately indicate the actual levels of exposure. Regular breaks can be beneficial for reducing exposure time, but they do not provide a direct measure of toxicity. Temperature control is important for comfort and equipment functionality but is not directly related to the presence of toxic gases. Hence, personal monitoring devices emerge as the most critical tool in safeguarding workers from hazardous conditions associated with toxic gas exposure.