How to Comply with PEL Requirements

To achieve compliance with PELs, OSHA says a facility must determine and then implement administrative or engineering controls whenever feasible. 
Engineering controls involve the use of:

• Exhaust and general ventilation
• Enclosure of the source of emissions
• Process and equipment modifications that reduce emissions
• Substitution of nonhazardous or less hazardous chemicals

Administrative controls would include steps such as limiting the amount of time employees can work in an area with exposures above the PEL or restricting entry into these areas to employees equipped with the appropriate respirator.
These methods may be used alone or in combination. Competent industrial hygienists or other technically qualified personnel must approve any equipment and technical control measures.
Review These Issues The following questions can help assure that your workplace is in compliance with OSHA's air contaminants standard and PEL requirements:

• Have all hazardous air contaminants in the workplace been identified?
• Have contaminant levels been monitored?
• Are air contaminant levels maintained below those given in the Z tables?
• If contaminant levels rise above the PEL are appropriate respirators provided?
• f respirators are provided, are they used in accordance with the requirements of the respiratory protection standard?
• Are employees exposed to any materials that have their own specific standards ?
• If so, do you have a program or guidance that addresses the following compliance concerns, where applicable, of a particular toxic or hazardous substance?
• Permissible exposure limit
• Air monitoring
• Regulated areas
• Compliance program
• Respiratory protection
• Protective clothing
• Hygiene
• Hazard communication
• Housekeeping
• Medical surveillance
• Medical removal
• Recordkeeping
• Reporting
• Standard operating procedures
• Contamination
• Emergencies