What does threshold limit value time-weighted average (TLVWA) indicate on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

The threshold limit value time-weighted average (TLVWA) on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) indicates the maximum allowable exposure for 8 hours without causing harmful effects. This figure is essential for ensuring worker health and safety, as it is designed to represent the average concentration of a specific substance that a worker can be exposed to over a typical workday, typically assessed over a standard 40-hour work week.

This value helps employers establish safety protocols and implement controls to mitigate exposure risks. When the TLVWA is adhered to, it signifies that the concentration of the chemical in the work environment should not exceed this average level, thus protecting workers from potential adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure. Maintaining levels below the TLVWA is crucial for compliance with occupational health standards and contributes to a safer workplace.