What might occur if sampling equipment has not been properly calibrated?

When sampling equipment is not properly calibrated, it can directly lead to inaccurate results and unreliable data. Calibration ensures that the equipment operates within specified parameters and accurately measures the concentrations of substances being monitored. If the calibration is off—even slightly—this can cause significant distortions in the readings, resulting in data that does not reflect the true levels of exposure or contamination.

In occupational hygiene, accurate data is critical for assessing health risks, determining compliance with regulations, and implementing effective control measures. Unreliable data can have serious consequences, including inadequate protection of workers, faulty assessments of exposure risks, and compromised safety decisions. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain rigorous calibration protocols to ensure that the results of sampling reflect true conditions in the workplace.