Consultation on proposed B.C. Exposure Limits based on the new or revised 2016, 2017, and 2018 ACGIH TLVs for selected chemical substances
Each year, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) publishes a list of substances for which they have set new or revised Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). A TLV is the airborne concentration of a chemical substance where it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed over a working lifetime and experience no adverse health effects. TLVs may be expressed as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL), or ceiling limit.
Prior to the adoption of new or revised TLVs published by the ACGIH, WorkSafeBC reviews relevant data on health effects and the availability of validated sampling methods. WorkSafeBC also consults with stakeholders on potential implementation issues. WorkSafeBC’s existing B.C. Exposure Limits (ELs) continue to be in effect until the Board of Directors makes a decision on which new or revised ACGIH TLVs to adopt as B.C. ELs. See additional information on WorkSafeBC’s EL review process.
WorkSafeBC is requesting stakeholder feedback on the proposed ELs for 22 substances.
(1) WorkSafeBC is proposing new or revised B.C. ELs for the following substances:
| Chlorine (8-hour TWA only) |
| Ethyl Isocyanate |
| Phenyl isocyanate |
| Hard metals, containing Cobalt and Tungsten carbide, as Co |
| Tungsten and compounds in the absence of Cobalt, as W |
(2) WorkSafeBC is proposing to retain the existing B.C. ELs for the following substances:
| Atrazine |
| Chlorine (15-minute STEL Only) |
| Chlorine dioxide |
Chromium and inorganic compounds:
|
| Ethylene glycol |
| Ethylidene norbornene |
| Glycerin mist |
| Hexylene glycol |
| Phosphine |
(3) WorkSafeBC is proposing to update the existing B.C. ELs for the following substances to align with other existing B.C. ELs:
| Chromite ore processing |
| Lead chromate, as Cr(VI) |
| Lead chromate, as Pb |
Providing feedback
Feedback can be provided on line or via email, or mail as follows:
| Online feedback: | Consultation now closed. |
|---|---|
| Email: | ohspolicyfeedback@worksafebc.com |
| Mail: | Policy, Regulation and Research Division WorkSafeBC P.O. Box 5350, Station Terminal Vancouver BC V6B 5L5 |
The consultation period ended August 13, 2021.
Please include the following information in your comments:
- Your name
- Whether you are submitting on your own behalf or on behalf of an organization (if on behalf of an organization, please specify the name of the organization)
- Whether you are commenting from a worker’s perspective or an employer’s perspective
- Your level of support for the adoption of the proposed new or revised B.C. ELs, retention of B.C. ELs, and B.C. EL withdrawal — whether you generally agree, are generally neutral, or generally disagree
- The reasons for your level of support for the substances you are commenting on
We will send you an acknowledgement of receipt of your feedback.
Please note that you will not be contacted regarding your feedback unless we need clarification.
Online feedback option
To provide online feedback please click on the link for the proposed B.C. ELs and open the document. Once opened, please click on the yellow "Online Feedback" button to provide your feedback.
Publication and disclosure of personal information
Please note that all comments become part of the Policy, Regulation and Research Division’s database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated on their own behalf will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Publication by WorkSafeBC does not mean WorkSafeBC endorses the view(s) of the person making the submission.