What is one factor used to assess general occupancy in a facility?

Assessing general occupancy in a facility primarily involves understanding how many people are typically present on a daily basis, which is best represented by the average daily number of employees. This factor is crucial because it helps determine the potential risk of asbestos exposure based on the volume of occupants who could be affected in the event of asbestos disturbance. A higher number of employees usually corresponds to a greater risk because of the increased likelihood of asbestos-containing materials (if present) being disturbed, whether knowingly or accidentally, thus leading to potential inhalation or exposure risks.

While the type of building materials, age of the building, and frequency of inspections are relevant considerations in broader health risk assessments or evaluations of potential asbestos-related issues, they do not directly indicate how occupancy levels would impact the exposure risk for individuals present in the facility. The average daily number of employees provides a more direct measure of potential exposure scenarios and is key in evaluating the environmental safety of the workplace concerning asbestos.