Legislation

Regulatory Terms 

COSHH 

‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’ (UK, EU)  

 The law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by:  

• finding out what the health hazards are; 
• deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment); 
• providing control measures to reduce harm to health; 
• making sure they are used; 

• keeping all control measures in good working order; 
• providing information, instruction and training for employees and others; 
• providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases; 
• planning for emergencies. 

 For more information, visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/index.htm 

WELs 

‘Workplace Exposure Limits’ (UK) 

Guides those responsible for controlling exposure to hazardous substances at work (COSHH). 

For more information, visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/exposurelimits.htm 

PELS / OSHA PEL 

Permissible Exposure Limits (US) 

The maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations. 

For more information, visit: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/annotated-pels/ 

ECL / OEL  

Exposure Control Limit / Occupational Exposure Limit (EU) 

The two legal frameworks that form an integral part of the EU's mechanism for protecting the health of workers in hazardous environments. 

For more information, visit: https://echa.europa.eu/oel 

WES 

Workplace Exposure Standards (Aus) 

Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants in Australia. 

For more information, visit: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/workplace-exposure-standards-airborne-contaminants  

IOSH  

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (US) 

The Chartered body and largest membership organisation for safety and health professionals. 

For more information, visit: https://iosh.com/more/about-us/ 

OSHA  

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US)  

A governing body created to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. 

For more information, visit: https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha 

OSH Act 1974 

Occupational Health and Safety Act (Victoria, Aus) 

The act seeks to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at work. It also aims to ensure that the health and safety of the public is not put at risk by work activities. 

For more information, visit: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/occupational-health-and-safety-act-and-regulations 

WHS Act 2011 

Work Health and Safety Act (NSW, Aus) 

A 2011 act that provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers in businesses in New South Wales. Reviews are scheduled once every five years.  

For more information, visit: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/legal-obligations/employer-business-obligations/managing-hazards-and-risks