EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits Version 4
On 17 January 2020, the fourth edition of HSE’s guidance document ‘EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits’ came into force, introducing new and revised workplace exposure limits for 13 substances.
For organisations operating in industries that use or generate hazardous substances, EH40 is of great importance. Its purpose is to guide those responsible for controlling exposure to these substances in the workplace. Businesses must be vigilant to these new limits and appropriate changes should be put in place to improve regulation compliance and, above all, safeguard the health and safety of employees.
The EH40 document is developed by the safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and it forms an integral part of the legal framework, underpinned by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) legislation. Within it, is the list of approved workplace exposure limits, also referred to as ‘Table 1’. This list is legally binding. Compliance with requirements relating to exposure levels is mandatory. Should an organisation, upon HSE inspection, be found not to be complying, appropriate enforcement action could be taken.
The Latest Updates
Workplace exposure limits are continuously being revised and updated as our understanding of occupational health and science progresses. It has recently been updated, with 13 binding exposure limits either having been revised or introduced, in order to implement amendments to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC). Remember, it is the responsibility of the employer to keep up to date with all changes to exposure limits affecting their business. If, however, the business uses an external health and safety consultant or agency to manage workforce exposure limits, as part of the contract, ongoing support should be provided to advise the business as limits change over time.
Details of the changes can be summarised as follows:
There were new or revised entries for the following substances:
- Hardwood dusts (including mixed dusts)
- Chromium (VI) compounds
- Refractory ceramic fibres
- Respirable crystalline silica
- Vinyl chloride monomer
- Ethylene oxide
- 1,2-Epoxypropane
- Acrylamide
- 2-Nitropropane
- O-Toluidine
- 1,3-Butadiene
- Hydrazine
- Bromoethylene
New skin notations have been added for the following substances:
- Ethylene oxide
The following substances required reductions to the existing limits:
- Hardwood dusts
- Chromium (VI) compounds
- Refractory ceramic fibres
- Vinyl chloride monomer
- Ethylene oxide
- 1,2-Epoxypropan
- Acrylamide
- 2-Nitropropane
- O-Toluidine
- 1,3-Butadiene
- Hydrazine
The full EH40 document can be found here.
In Conclusion
Failure to comply with regulations may allow workers to be exposed to hazardous substances at consequential levels. It is important to keep in mind that workplace exposure limits are not fine lines between safe and unsafe and that these were never intended to be absolute standards. In all cases, exposure levels must be monitored and employers should be looking to reduce them, even if it they fall below the maximum limit, in order to protect workers as much as possible.
We’re here to help
If you need any help or advice, we’re happy to assist. Our experienced occupational hygienists have many years experience covering a wide range of industries. We can carry our air monitoring to assess the exposure levels, give advice on any control measures and provide recommendations to help you comply with the COSHH Regulations and the new limits.
Our approach
Get in touch with Workplace Exposure, either give us a call on 0800 689 4386, or fill in our enquiry form to discuss your monitoring or consultancy requirements.
We’ll then provide you with a no obligation proposal, we can often give an initial idea of fees whilst we discuss your needs.
Once you’ve accepted our proposal we can then schedule the work.
Following our site visit we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report giving you advice, recommendations and control measures where appropriate.
Implement the outcomes for compliance and a happier healthier workplace.