Proposals to change the occupational exposure limit framework

Citation

(2002), "Proposals to change the occupational exposure limit framework", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849eab.014

Proposals to change the occupational exposure limit framework

Proposals to change the occupational exposure limit frameworkKeywords: Chemicals, Health and safety

The HSC has recently published a discussion document containing proposals that would make it easier for firms to comply with their legal duty to control workers' exposure to chemicals.

The proposals include suggestions for modernising and streamlining the process of setting occupational exposure limits (OELS) and ideas for linking them to advice on good practice.

Produced by a Working Group of the Health and Safety Commission's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS), members – representatives from industry, trade unions and independent experts – discussed options ranging from minor changes to the present system to more radical options. The changes have been proposed to help ensure that OELs effectively contribute to worker protection.

Research carried out in the 1990s showed that industry in general makes little use of current guidance. The Working Group is keen to hear views from everyone with an interest in the use of chemicals in the workplace – from employees, employers (in both small and large firms), safety representatives to specialists in occupational health and safety.