Determining TLVs
OSHA seems to ignore adjusting PEL's for extended workshifts except for lead. The ACGIH TLV booklet addresses the issue. Should we take the ACGIH approach in determining TLV's for extended shifts? 10 and 12 hr shifts are becoming commonplace with those we assist.
Comments
I would talk to the enforcement agency before deciding that.
Posted by: Keith | October 14, 2008 12:59 PM
Adjusting TLVs/OELs for extended shifts might or might not be indicated. Does the exposure extend over the whole shift, or is it in an at most 8 hr segment of the shift? How many such work schedule days are there before a "weekend"?
What do we know about the hazard? What is the mode of action and target organ? Do we know the agent half-life in humans?
Last, but not least, if the exposure is at say 10% of the TLV or PEL, deriving an adjustment factor probably won't change decisions about the exposure and controls anyway!
BTW, the ACGIH held one Webinar on TLV adjustments for "unusual" conditions and is soon holding another. See http://www.acgih.org/events/course/TLV-Adjust_Part-2_webinar.htm
Posted by: Tom Armstrong | December 10, 2008 07:28 PM