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Occupational exposure FAQs

    What is an Occupational Exposure Limit?

    An Occupational Exposure Limit or "OEL" is the maximum allowed airborne concentration of a chemical substance to which most workers can be exposed on a daily basis without experiencing adverse health effects.


    What are the current OELs?

    WorkSafeBC recently adopted the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ("ACGIH") Threshold Limit Values ("TLVs") as Occupational Exposure Limits. Exceptions were provided where it was determined that a specific TLV was not appropriate for adoption in British Columbia, or where no TLV had been developed for a particular substance.


    Where can I find the OELs?

    The Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances is provided in an Occupational Health and Safety Guideline. This guideline can be accessed through the WorkSafe web page at www.worksafebc.com (search term: Table of Exposure Limits ). The values identified by * are not ACGIH TLVs, but are exposure limits which have been adopted in accordance with WCB Policy. For further information please refer to Policy item R5.48-1 in the Prevention Manual (Table of Exceptions).


    What is the ACGIH?

    The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists is a private not-for-profit, non-governmental corporation whose members consist of occupational health and safety professionals, including industrial hygienists. The ACGIH publishes TLVs on an annual basis.


    What are TLVs?

    Threshold Limit Values or "TLVs" refer to airborne concentrations of substances, and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse health effects.


    Are the OELs updated/revised on a regular basis?

    WorkSafeBC, through the OEL Review Committee, will review the OELs and TLVs on an annual basis to ensure that they are up-to-date.


    How can I become involved in the OEL Review Process?

    If you are concerned about the practicality of achieving a given TLV or OEL in your workplace, you can submit a request to the OEL Review Committee to review the assigned limit. The Committee will ask you to provide information about your workplace in order to facilitate a review.


    Where can I find more information?

    More FAQs