Which statement correctly differentiates OSHA PELs from ACGIH TLVs?

Which statement correctly differentiates OSHA PELs from ACGIH TLVs?

• A. PEL s are regulatory limits enforced by OSHA; TLVs are non-enforceable guidelines developed by ACGIH
• B. PEL s are voluntary guidelines; TLVs are regulatory limits
• C. PEL s are about noise only; TLVs cover all hazards
• D. PEL and TLV are the same thing

Answer: (A)

PEL limits are regulatory exposure limits set by OSHA and enforceable under the law. They specify the maximum allowable workplace concentrations or exposures and enforcement actions can follow if those limits are exceeded. TLVs, published by ACGIH, are non-enforceable guidelines—reference values used by professionals to assess and control risk, but not requirements that trigger legal penalties. This combination—legal, enforceable standards versus voluntary, guideline values—is what distinguishes the two. The other statements mix up enforceability or scope: TLVs aren’t regulatory limits, PELs aren’t voluntary guidelines, PELs aren’t just about noise, and PELs and TLVs are not the same thing.

PEL limits are regulatory exposure limits set by OSHA and enforceable under the law. They specify the maximum allowable workplace concentrations or exposures and enforcement actions can follow if those limits are exceeded. TLVs, published by ACGIH, are non-enforceable guidelines—reference values used by professionals to assess and control risk, but not requirements that trigger legal penalties. This combination—legal, enforceable standards versus voluntary, guideline values—is what distinguishes the two. The other statements mix up enforceability or scope: TLVs aren’t regulatory limits, PELs aren’t voluntary guidelines, PELs aren’t just about noise, and PELs and TLVs are not the same thing.