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What is the Permissible Exposure Level or Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)?

The Permissible Exposure Levels (PELs) for Toxic Substances are:

  • PEL (Long Term): The maximum time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of a toxic substance to which individuals may be exposed over an 8-hour workday or a 40-hour workweek.
  • PEL (Short Term): The maximum TWA concentration to which individuals may be exposed over a 15-minute period during the workday.

You may refer to the First Schedule of the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations to find out more about the PEL of each toxic substance. 

The Permissible Exposure Limit for Noise is:

  • An equivalent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour workday,
  • or
  • A peak sound pressure level exceeding 140 dB(C).

dB(A) and dB(C) are units used to measure sound pressure levels, with different weightings applied to reflect human hearing sensitivity.

You may refer to the First Schedule of the Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations 2011 to find out more about the PEL for noise.