Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are concentrations of hazardous substances in the air, approved by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). Employers have a responsibility to ensure that these limits are not exceeded in order to protect the health of workers.
These WELs have been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in its publication - EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits. The list of current WELs is also available on the HSE website, http://www.hse.gov.uk
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) recently published a Consultation Document seeking comments on proposals to introduce new and revised Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs). The European Commission adopted the 2nd Directive on Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (IOELVs) (2006/15/EC) in February, which lists 33 substances with exposure limits. Member States must introduce a domestic occupational exposure limit by September 2007.
The consultation document seeks to introduce WELs for 7 substances where one does not currently exist and reduce the limit of the WELs for 13 substances to be introduced on 6 April 2007.
The consultation document can be found by clicking the following link:
Comments on the proposals should be sent to:
Steve Mason
Health and Safety Executive
9SW Rose Court
2 Southwark Bridge
London
SE1 9HS
Closing date for consultation: 27 September 2006.
