Laser cutting rates change by material, thickness, and maintenance state. That means fume and particulate levels also fluctuate. Continuous air monitoring turns this variability into actionable data so you can adjust capture, plan maintenance, and prove control under COSHH.

Place monitors where decisions are made

Use fixed sensors at breathing height near operator stations and at room exhaust or return-air points. Add a monitor upstream of key LEV branches to detect capture loss. Avoid dead zones (corners or behind stock) that hide true exposure. If negative pressure is used, place a sensor near the make-up air path to confirm airflow direction remains correct.

Set thresholds that drive action

Establish a clean baseline during stable production. Create tiered alerts: a caution level to prompt a quick hood position check or prefilter inspection, and a high level that triggers stopping to investigate loss of capture or saturated filters. Use PM1/PM2.5 channels for fine fume and PM10 for coarser residue.

Link readings to maintenance and process

Spikes often correlate with worn nozzles, damaged seals, blocked downdraft slots, or filter loading. Trend data helps schedule prefilter changes before under-load airflow collapses. When you change consumables or service LEV, annotate the monitoring timeline to confirm the intervention restored control.

Keep records simple and useful

Under COSHH, you need evidence that exposure is controlled. Export weekly summaries, note exceedances and corrective actions, and store alongside LEV checks. Use short, visual dashboards in daily meetings so operators own the controls.

Verify and improve

Periodically cross-check fixed sensors with a handheld particulate monitor at task level, and conduct smoke tests to validate airflow direction. If areas persistently run high, revisit hood geometry, table seals, or air change strategy.

• Monitor at operator breathing zones and room exhaust points
• Use tiered alerts to trigger checks before exposure rises
• Trend data to plan filter and seal maintenance
• Export concise COSHH evidence with actions and outcomes

Fixed air monitors provide the continuous view you need to keep airborne particulate controlled while maintaining productivity and clarity over compliance.