Which statement correctly distinguishes PELs and TLVs and identifies their publishers?

Which statement correctly distinguishes PELs and TLVs and identifies their publishers?

• A. PEL limits are enforceable exposure limits published by OSHA; TLVs are recommended limits published by ACGIH.
• B. PEL limits are recommended by ACGIH; TLVs are enforceable by OSHA.
• C. PEL limits and TLVs both enforced by OSHA.
• D. TLVs published by OSHA; PELs by ACGIH.

Answer: (A)

The important distinction is that PELs are enforceable limits set by a government agency, while TLVs are recommended guidelines published by a professional association. PEL limits are enforceable exposure limits published by OSHA, meaning employers must comply with them. TLVs are recommended exposure limits published by ACGIH, intended as guidance for industrial hygienists but not legally binding. That’s why the statement linking PELs to enforceable OSHA limits and TLVs to recommended ACGIH limits is correct. The other options mix up who publishes them or whether they are enforceable.

The important distinction is that PELs are enforceable limits set by a government agency, while TLVs are recommended guidelines published by a professional association. PEL limits are enforceable exposure limits published by OSHA, meaning employers must comply with them. TLVs are recommended exposure limits published by ACGIH, intended as guidance for industrial hygienists but not legally binding. That’s why the statement linking PELs to enforceable OSHA limits and TLVs to recommended ACGIH limits is correct. The other options mix up who publishes them or whether they are enforceable.