ACGIH Releases TLV and BEI Changes for 2017

ACGIH has released their annual report for the year 2016 which includes adopted changes to TLVs and BEIs for 2017.  The report also outlines notices of intent to change (NIC) current TLVs and BEIs, and notices of intent to establish (NIE) new TLVs or BEIs for additional chemical and physical agents.  Documentation on the proposed changes for 2018 are available on the ACGIH website and comments on the proposed changes will be accepted for review between February 1^st and May 31^st.  While TLVs and BEIs are not legal regulations, they serve as important tools for safety professionals and employers to evaluate workplace safety and identify areas for improvement.

For 2017, ACGIH adopted changes or established new TLVs for 22 chemicals and BEIs for three chemicals.  There were no adopted changes for physical agents for 2017.  One interesting change of note was that an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) TLV was established at 0.1 ppm for formaldehyde exposure.  Previously only a 15-minute STEL of 0.3 ppm had been established for formaldehyde.  Both the TLV and STEL adopted by ACGIH are lower than the current Cal/OSHA PEL of 0.75 ppm and STEL of 2.0 ppm for formaldehyde.  In addition to the PEL and STEL for formaldehyde, Cal/OSHA has established an action level of 0.5 ppm as an 8-hour TWA.  Please contact us with any questions regarding changes to ACGIH TLVs or BEIs and how those changes may affect your industry.  In addition, we are able to assist in identifying and quantifying workplace exposures to chemicals and physical agents that your employees may experience while on the job.