The term "Short Term Exposure Limit" is a commonly used phrase in occupational health and safety. The spelling of the phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ʃɔrt tɜrm ɪkspoʒər ˈlɪmɪt/. This means that the word "short" is pronounced with the "o" sound as in "more", "term" is pronounced with the "er" sound as in "her", "exposure" is pronounced with the "ʒ" sound as in "measure", and "limit" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable. The accurate spelling of technical terms such as this is important for clear communication in the field.
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) refers to the maximum allowable concentration of a hazardous substance to which workers can be exposed continuously for a short period of time, typically up to 15 minutes, without suffering adverse health effects. It is an important concept used in occupational health and safety regulations to protect workers against the harmful effects of various chemicals and substances.
The STEL value is usually expressed as a time-weighted average (TWA), representing the average concentration over a specific time period, such as 8 hours, combined with a specified STEL value that must not be exceeded during any 15-minute period. The purpose of setting a STEL level is to prevent acute health effects caused by short-term exposure to high concentrations of hazardous substances.
Employers are responsible for monitoring and measuring the concentrations of substances in the workplace to ensure compliance with STEL limits. They should implement control measures, such as proper ventilation, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment, to reduce exposure levels below the established STEL values.
It is important for workers to be aware of the specific STEL limits for the substances they handle, as exceeding these limits may result in immediate health effects, such as irritation, dizziness, or even severe toxicity. Adherence to STEL values is crucial in reducing the risk of acute illness or injury related to occupational exposure to hazardous substances.