Glossary
PEL
Also: Permissible Exposure Limit
OSHA's enforceable maximum employee exposure to an airborne contaminant, typically expressed as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
PEL stands for Permissible Exposure Limit. It’s OSHA’s enforceable maximum employee exposure to an airborne contaminant, typically expressed as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Substance-specific PELs are in the substance-specific rules. For asbestos under 29 CFR 1926.1101, the PEL is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour TWA. For lead under 29 CFR 1926.62, the PEL is 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour TWA.
Exposure above the PEL is a violation. The contractor has to use feasible engineering controls and work practices to reduce exposure to the PEL or below; where that is not feasible, respiratory protection makes up the remainder.
The Action Level is set below the PEL and triggers compliance programs (medical surveillance, monitoring, training) even before the PEL is exceeded. The Excursion Limit is a short-term ceiling that can’t be exceeded at any 30-minute interval.