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Dangerous Substances

Occupational Exposure Limits

WHAT ARE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS?

Dangerous Substances

Occupational Exposure Limit values (OELs) are set by competent national authorities or other relevant national institutions as limits for concentrations of hazardous compounds in workplace air. OELs for hazardous substances represent an important tool for risk assessment and management and valuable information for occupational safety and health activities concerning hazardous substances.

Occupational Exposure Limits can apply both to marketed products and to waste and by products from production processes. They set limits to protect against health effects, but do not address safety issues such as flammable concentrations.

This web page consists of a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) followed by a summary of information on Occupational Exposure Limit values in European Union Member States, other Countries, and of the process for creating EU indicative limit values. It is primarily aimed at safety professionals, but may also be of value to managers of enterprises and worker safety representatives, particularly in enterprises that operate in more than one Member State.

As limits frequently change, this document will be updated regularly. Due to the nature of this subject area, you should at all times consult your relevant national authorities to ensure that you have the latest information.

Should you wish to comment or make amendments to this document, please contact us