Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
It is important to monitor a statistically representative population. Workers are often divided into "similar exposure groups" with similar work assignments and contaminant exposure profiles. Data must be validated, reported, and communicated. Exposure monitoring may be targeted to individual workers, or areas. [1]: 21, 46–47, 58
The exposure assessment is initiated by selecting the appropriate exposure limit averaging time and "decision statistic" for the agent. Typically the statistic for deciding acceptable exposure is chosen to be the majority (90%, 95% or 99%) of all exposures to be below the selected occupational exposure limit.
An occupational exposure limit is an upper limit on the acceptable concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air for a particular material or class of materials. It is typically set by competent national authorities and enforced by legislation to protect occupational safety and health .
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) RELs are designed to protect the health and well-being of workers by recommending safe exposure levels. To really use these guidelines well, safety professionals need to understand the recommended exposure levels, how to measure them, and ways to make sure workers aren't exposed to harmful stuff.
Requests should also be made when employees are exposed to a new hazard or a hazard unregulated by OSHA or when employees are experiencing ill health when their exposure to an agent is below the occupational exposure limits. If multiple hazardous agents or conditions are present in the workplace, an HHE request can be beneficial.
The Hierarchy of Occupational Exposure Limits, of which occupational exposure banding is a member. Occupational exposure banding, also known as hazard banding, is a process intended to quickly and accurately assign chemicals into specific categories (bands), each corresponding to a range of exposure concentrations designed to protect worker health.
Likewise, the OSHA standard for occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450) requires medical consultation following the accidental release of hazardous chemicals. NIOSH also recommends medical surveillance, including screening, of workers when there is exposure to certain occupational hazards. [7]
The permissible exposure limit (PEL or OSHA PEL) is a legal limit in the United States for exposure of an employee to a chemical substance or physical agent such as high level noise. Permissible exposure limits were established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).