8.1. Control Parameters

Overview

Section 8.1 provides information on the control parameters that must be considered when assessing exposure risks. These include national occupational exposure limits (OELs) for substances or ingredients of mixtures, as well as other limit values.

Occupational Exposure Limits

Key Points

  • No legal limit below which an ingredient can be omitted from this section
  • OELs must relate to countries where the product is marketed
  • Legal basis of the limit must be provided
  • Usually applies to airborne concentrations (dust, vapour, spray)
  • Typically includes:
    • Full shift limit (8-hour average exposure)
    • Short-term exposure limit (usually 15 min)

UK Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

COSHH Requirements

Substances with WELs are subject to COSHH Regulations requiring employers to:

  • Apply good control practices
  • Ensure WELs are not exceeded
  • Reduce exposure to asthmagens, carcinogens and mutagens to as low as reasonably practicable
  • Refer to HSE publication EH40 for WEL listings

DNELs and DMELs

Derived Limit Values

  • DNELs (Derived No Effect Levels):
    • Safe limits calculated from hazard data
    • Cover inhalation and dermal routes
    • Include short-term and long-term exposures
    • Apply to both worker and consumer use
  • DMELs (Derived Minimal Effect Levels):
    • Used for hazards with no threshold concentration
    • Represent acceptable risk levels
    • Applicable to CMRs (carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins)

Environmental Limit Values

PNECs (Predicted No Effect Concentrations)

Environmental limit values for different compartments:

  • Freshwater
  • Sediment
  • Sewage treatment plant
  • Soil

Critical Safety Information

Essential Considerations

  • Personal air sampling techniques are usually required for monitoring
  • Static and workplace samples can indicate necessary engineering controls
  • Monitoring typically requires occupational hygienist expertise
  • For mixtures, adopt the lowest exposure limit if in doubt
  • Consult supplier for mixture-specific information
  • Extended SDSs must include exposure scenarios with risk management measures