2025 WorkSafeBC Occupational Exposure Limits: Key Updates for Employers

WorkSafeBC has updated its Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for 2025, aligning with the latest ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). These changes impact industries handling solvents, fuels, herbicides, and industrial chemicals, making compliance with workplace safety regulations more critical than ever.

If your business operates in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, oil & gas, or chemical processing, it’s time to review workplace air quality and hazard assessments to ensure compliance with the new standards.

What Are Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)?

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) define the maximum airborne concentration of hazardous chemicals that workers can be exposed to without adverse health effects. These limits help prevent long-term health risks and ensure workplace safety.
Types of Exposure Limits:

• Time-Weighted Average (TWA): The average exposure over an 8-hour work shift.
• Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL): A 15-minute limit for short-term exposure spikes.
• Ceiling Limit: The absolute maximum concentration that should never be exceeded.

Understanding and adhering to these limits is essential for regulatory compliance and worker safety.

​Here is a link to the WorkSafeBC E-Limits
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2025 WorkSafeBC Exposure Limit Updates: Chemicals Affected

The latest WorkSafeBC updates include revised exposure limits for several industrial chemicals, solvents, and herbicides. Employers must take note of these changes to avoid regulatory penalties and protect worker health.
🧪 Diacetone Alcohol

• Uses: Solvent in paints, coatings, varnishes, and cosmetics. Also found in textiles and chemical manufacturing.
• Industries Affected: Painting, coatings, manufacturing, and printing.
• Health Risks: Eye and respiratory irritation, potential effects on the central nervous system.

🌾 Dimethenamid-P (Inhalable Fraction & Vapour)

• Uses: Pre-emergent herbicide for crops like corn and soybeans.
• Industries Affected: Agriculture, landscaping, and agrochemical production.
• Health Risks: Skin irritation, respiratory effects, and potential environmental persistence.

⛽ Heptane (Straight & Branched Isomers)

• Uses: Found in adhesives, rubber cement, gasoline, and fuel blending.
• Industries Affected: Automotive, chemical manufacturing, and laboratory research.
• Health Risks: Dizziness, drowsiness, skin irritation, and potential nervous system effects.

🌿 Metribuzin (Inhalable Fraction)

• Uses: Broad-spectrum herbicide used in potato, soybean, and tomato crops.
• Industries Affected: Agriculture, pesticide manufacturing, and crop management.
• Health Risks: Respiratory irritation, skin sensitivity, and long-term ecological impact.

💨 Triethylene Glycol (Inhalable Fraction & Vapour)

• Uses: Found in antifreeze, disinfectants, air sanitizers, and natural gas processing.
• Industries Affected: Oil & gas, HVAC, healthcare, and chemical processing.
• Health Risks: Respiratory tract irritation and potential long-term central nervous system effects.

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WorkSafeBC Compliance: What Employers Must Do

With these new occupational exposure limits (OELs) in effect, employers must take immediate action to ensure compliance and protect workers from hazardous exposure.
✅ Steps to Stay Compliant:✔️ Conduct Workplace Air Quality Testing: Measure airborne chemical levels to ensure compliance.
✔️ Review Hazard Assessments: Identify areas with high-risk chemical exposure.
✔️ Implement Exposure Control Measures: Improve ventilation, provide PPE, and update safety protocols.
✔️ Train Employees: Educate workers on exposure risks, protective equipment, and emergency procedures.
Failure to comply with these new regulations may result in penalties, legal consequences, and increased health risks for employees.​

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

At WHS, we specialize in occupational hygiene assessments, air monitoring, and exposure control solutions. Our team stays up to date with WorkSafeBC regulations and ACGIH exposure limits to help businesses stay compliant and protect their workforce.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation or workplace air quality assessment.

Contact WHS Today