5. Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL)

Thousands of substances are used and produced at work, and about 500 of them have Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) assigned to them. The substances concerned can cause harm to workers through inhalation, absorption through the skin, being swallowed or by acting directly on the body at the point of contact.

There are also illnesses, caused by exposure to hazardous substances, which may not appear until a long time after the first exposure. So, to protect the health of people working with these substances, exposure limits are set.

There are two time periods used: Long-term – 8 hours Short term – 15 minutes Short term exposure limits are set to prevent eye irritation or other effects which might occur following exposure to the substance for a...

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An explanation of what is meant by WEL and how to manage them in your organisation.

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