Occupational Exposure Limit Values

Binding occupational exposure limit values reflect feasibility factors related to social acceptability. When the results of environmental monitoring have to be compared with OELs, factors that influence exposure and that entail preventive policies are considered. For these values member states shall establish a corresponding national binding occupational exposure limit value based on but not exceeding the community limit value. That is, a binding limit means a minimum requirement. 

An indicative limit value is a more common type of limit that reflects expert evaluation based on scientific data where it is possible to identify the highest level of exposure along with the corresponding reference time period for which one can have confidence that there will be no adverse effects on health. For any chemical agent for which an indicative occupational exposure limit value is established at the community level, member states shall establish a national occupational exposure limit value, taking into account the community limit value and determining its nature in accordance with national legislation and practice. 

Sweden - Arbetarskyddsstyrelsens Forfattningssamling (2005) Occupational exposure limit values and measures against air contaminants, AFS 2005 17. 

Occupational Exposure Limit Values and Measures Against Air Contaminants, Statute Book of the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, AFS, Arbetsmiljoverket, Solna, Sweden, 2000, p.3. 

Control parameters e.g. occupational exposure limit values or biological limit values. 

Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (lOELVs)... 

Commission Directive 2000/39/EC of 8 June 2000 establishing a first list of indicative occupational exposure limit values in inqjlementation of Council Directive 98/24/EC on die protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work (Text with EEA relevance). Official Journal L 142,16/06/2000 P. 0047 - 0050. 

The first occupational exposure limit values were published in 1886. In 1938, about 100 OELs were presented during a congress in Frankfurt. In 1958, the first MAK-list was published the values mainly based on the US TLV list. Since 1969, the MAK list has been published annually and independently from the TLV list. 

Occupational exposure limit value means the limit of the time-weigjited average of the concentration of a chemical agent in the air within the breathing zone of a worker in relation to a specified refer ce period . 

OTHER COMMENTS the occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure the symptoms of pulmonary edema do not become manifest until a few hours have passed suggested use as an oxidizer for rocket propellants. 

Occupational exposure limit values. Ingredients with an occupational exposure limit value (OEL), mentioned in heading 1, have to be listed. Primarily, the mandatory national hmit values have to be specified, followed by additional recommended limit values. 

According to article 8 of framework directive 80/1107/EEC, a mandate has been given to the European Community to set occupational limit values and to establish procedures and rules for deriving limit values. This regulation turned out to be a first major step toward harmonization of occupational exposure limit values, which until then had been established by the member states on their own responsibility. However, this led to the unfortunate situation of a great variety and scatter of limit values in Europe. In a first run, limit values should be worked out by a committee for 11 chemicals, listed in annex I of EU directive 80/1107/EEC. The chemicals are ... 

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