A review of limit values and hazard communication standards for nickel

Several countries and jurisdictions have established specific regulatory requirements for hazard communication relating to the handling, use and presence of chemicals in the workplace. These occupational exposure limits (OELs) apply to a typical worker whose shift operates eight hours per day, five days per week. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) regularly updates its threshold limit values (TLVs) for numerous substances, including nickel. The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) is responsible for recommending workplace exposure standards, as well as attending to other health and environmental matters, including those that may pertain to nickel. The OELs for non-federal employees can vary from province to province. The Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) is reviewing a proposed OEL for nickel and nickel compounds of 0.01 mg/m3 as a TWAEV.