GHS and safety
Occupational exposure limit (OEL)
Definition
The maximum airborne concentration of a substance that workers may be exposed to over a set period.
Exposure limits are set by regulators and expert bodies and are usually expressed as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) and sometimes a 15 minute short term limit (STEL). Names differ by country, for example PEL from US OSHA, TLV from ACGIH, WEL in the UK and indicative limit values in the EU.
The limits that apply to a product are listed in section 8 of its safety data sheet, together with recommended engineering controls and personal protective equipment.