Threshold limit value

The occupational exposure limit ( OEL) is the time-weighted average concentration of a substance in the air at the workplace, in an acute or chronic damage to the health of employees is not expected. In determining assumes a generally eight-hour exposure of five days a week during the working life.

The occupational exposure limit value is expressed in mg / m³ ml / m³ (ppm).

In Germany the AGW was introduced on 1 January 2005 with the new version of the Hazardous Substances Act ( Ordinance on Hazardous Substances ). It replaces the maximum workplace concentration (MAK) and the Technical guidance concentration (TRK ). Until the AGW incorporated in the Technical Rules, the existing MAK values ​​and TRK values ​​for the assessment of workplace exposure may continue to be used.

In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs sets the limits. The Ministry is advised by the Committee for Hazardous Substances. They are used in the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances 900 (TRGS 900 - Working Limits ) published. The announcement was made initially on the Federal Worksheet ( BArbBl ), after its setting now in the Joint Ministerial ( GMBl ).

Frequently found in the air we breathe at work more harmful substances. However, adherence to the AGW protects workers only when a hazardous substance in the air. In mixtures to assess the health risk is the Technical Rule 402 - Determination and assessment of risks from activities involving hazardous substances: Inhalation exposure ( Technical Rule 403 was 7/2008 repealed) apply.

Other limits are:

• EC limit ( binding limit value - BLV ). The BLV is to accept as a minimum standard by all Member States of the EC (eg benzene with 3.25 mg / m³).
• Recommended values ​​of Accident Insurance Institutions ( EW- UVT ). Also in compliance with the EW- UVT is a health hazard caused by the hazardous substance is not excluded (eg: lead with 0.1 mg / m³ and wood dust with 2 mg / m³).
• TLV list of DFG ( ML- DFG).
• Exposure limit ( BGW)