turvallisuusrajaarvojen

Turvallisuusrajaarvojen, or safety limit values, are crucial concepts in ensuring occupational health and safety. They represent concentrations of airborne substances in the workplace that are believed to be safe for workers to be exposed to day after day without adverse health effects. These values are established through extensive scientific research and toxicological studies, taking into account various exposure routes and potential health impacts.

In Finland, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, in cooperation with the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, sets and updates these occupational exposure limits, often referred to as HTP-arvot (haittatekijäpitoisuusraja-arvot). These limits are legally binding and serve as a benchmark for employers to assess and control workplace exposure to chemical agents. Exceeding these values indicates a potential risk to employee health, necessitating immediate measures to reduce exposure.

Turvallisuusrajaarvot are typically expressed as time-weighted averages (TWA) over an eight-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. Some substances also have short-term exposure limits (STEL) or peak limits, which address acute effects from brief, high exposures. Compliance with these values is a fundamental responsibility of employers and a key element in preventing occupational diseases and ensuring a safe working environment for all. Regular monitoring and assessment of workplace air quality are essential to verify that exposure levels remain below the established safety limit values.