What is the main difference between PEL and TLV?

The correct response indicates that both Exposure Limits, the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and the Threshold Limit Value (TLV), are used to define exposure levels to hazardous substances. PEL is established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and represents the maximum allowable concentration of a substance in the workplace that employers must comply with to ensure worker safety. It is a legally enforceable standard.

On the other hand, TLV, set by the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), serves as a guideline for exposure levels, but it is not a legally binding standard. TLVs are derived from research and expert consensus and are intended to help protect workers' health and provide recommendations rather than enforceable limits.

Understanding this distinction highlights the importance of compliance with OSHA guidelines through PELs, while also recognizing TLVs as valuable references for maintaining safe working conditions. Consequently, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while both are designed to ensure safe workplace exposure to hazardous substances, PELs carry regulatory power that TLVs do not.