What level of exposure is indicated by the abbreviation STEL for anhydrous ammonia?

The abbreviation STEL stands for "Short-term exposure limit," which is a crucial term in industrial hygiene and safety, especially when dealing with hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia. This limit refers to the maximum concentration of a substance that a worker can be exposed to for a short duration, typically 15 minutes, without experiencing harmful effects.

Understanding STEL is important for ensuring safe working environments, as it provides a guideline for limiting acute exposures to substances that could lead to immediate health risks, including respiratory issues or chemical burns, which can be particularly hazardous when working with ammonia. This exposure limit helps employers establish safe work practices and monitoring systems to protect the health of their employees effectively.