What does STEL represent when discussing exposure limits?

The term STEL stands for Short Term Exposure Limit. This is a crucial concept in occupational health and safety that refers to the maximum concentration of a hazardous substance to which a worker may be exposed for a short period, typically up to 15 minutes, during a workday. These limits are established to help prevent adverse health effects that can occur with exposure to high levels of hazardous materials over short durations.

Short Term Exposure Limits are vital for protecting workers from acute health effects that could be triggered by brief but intense exposures. Regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) often define these limits based on scientific studies that assess toxicity and potential harm.

In contrast, the other options suggest definitions that do not accurately represent the established terminology in occupational exposure standards, highlighting the importance of understanding the correct terminology for safety compliance and effective risk management in hazardous environments.