CSLB C-33 Painting & DecoratingSafetyHard
A painting crew is working on a project that requires the use of MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) as a solvent, which is highly flammable and has significant health hazards. According to OSHA, what is the maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL) for MEK over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)?
- A200 ppm
- B25 ppm
- C100 ppm
- D50 ppm
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 200 ppm
OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is 200 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA). This limit is established to protect workers from adverse health effects from prolonged exposure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is significantly lower than the established OSHA PEL for MEK.
- C. This is below the OSHA PEL for MEK, though it is the ACGIH TLV (Threshold Limit Value) recommendation, which is often more stringent.
- D. This is below the OSHA PEL for MEK.
MEK PEL
The maximum concentration of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) vapor that workers can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday without adverse health effects, as defined by OSHA.
- PEL stands for Permissible Exposure Limit.
- TWA stands for Time-Weighted Average.
- MEK is a common solvent with flammability and health risks.
Memory trick: Remember, MEK is 200, don't let it get to you.