Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Are excursions above the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) permitted?

1. Yes, anytime

2. Only if below the TLV-C

3. No, under any circumstances

4. Yes, if approved by OSHA

The correct answer is: Only if below the TLV-C

Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) are guidelines designed to protect worker health by limiting exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. These values offer a reference point for acceptable exposure levels, with TLV-C (Ceiling) being the maximum concentration to which workers can be safely exposed at any time. The correct answer hinges on the recognition that excursions above the TLV can have implications for worker safety. While it may not be permissible to exceed the TLV on a regular basis, there are specific conditions under which temporary excursions may occur. Importantly, these excursions must remain below the TLV-C threshold; otherwise, immediate harmful effects could arise. Therefore, while occasional excursions above the TLV might occur in certain scenarios, they are only tolerated as long as they do not exceed the TLV-C level. This ensures a level of safety for workers during those times of elevated exposure while still maintaining adherence to safety standards.