Workplace exposure limits
Some workplace processes involve the use of substances that could cause harm. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require that employers prevent or reduce workers' exposure to such substances.
- Inhalation.
- Ingestion.
- Contact with the skin.
- Contact with the eyes.
- Skin puncture.
COSHH stipulates that the control of hazardous substance exposure will only be regarded as being adequate if it falls below the necessary workplace exposure limit (WEL). The regulations place a duty on employers to prevent or control exposure to within the particular WEL.
WEL values are approved by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), which acts on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS). They are expressed as a time weighted average (TWA). There are two variations of WEL:
- Long-term exposure limit (LTEL): The maximum exposure over an 8-hour period. This is intended to protect the workforce from contaminants which, over a long period of time, may cause ill health.
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL): The maximum exposure over a 15-minute reference period. This is intended to protect the workforce from peak exposure incidents which might result in immediate and acute ill health.
A document published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) contains the list of WELs for use with COSHH – EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits.
Since there are a large number of chemical compounds used in construction, there will be some that are not included on this list of WELs, perhaps due to a lack of information about them. However, this does not mean that they are therefore safe. They should be controlled to a level at which the workforce could be exposed for a long period of time without experiencing any adverse health effects.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.