What is the purpose of OSHA setting PEL?

The purpose of OSHA setting permissible exposure limits (PEL) is fundamentally to protect workers against the health effects of hazardous substances they may encounter in the workplace. PELs are established to ensure that exposure to specific toxic chemicals does not exceed levels that could potentially lead to adverse health effects, such as respiratory issues, cancers, or other serious health conditions. By enforcing these limits, OSHA aims to create a safer working environment, thereby reducing the risk of occupational illnesses and injuries related to chemical exposure.

In contrast, increasing workplace production, regulating work hours, or standardizing job roles do not directly relate to the primary goal of PELs. While those factors may indirectly impact workplace safety and health, they are not the main focus of the permissible exposure limits, which center specifically on safeguarding workers from hazardous exposures.