British Columbia adopts selected chemical exposure limits
British Columbia changed selected exposure limits and substance definitions within WorkSafeBC jurisdiction on July 10, 2024. The changes include selected metals and other substances; the respirable manganese limit was expressly unchanged.
The numerical examples cover part of the decision. WorkSafeBC limits must not be applied automatically to Mines Act workplaces.
- Legal status
- in force
- Source check
- Sep 17, 2026
- Topic
- Chemical exposure limits
- Technical review
- Jiaxi · 2026-09-23
What changed
Previous requirement
Selected substances remained on the excluded-substances table; complete prior numerical values were not extracted.
New requirement or current position
New adopted limits and substance definitions apply; the respirable manganese limit was explicitly unchanged.
Who it affects
- Metal processing
- Welding
- Chemical handling
Dates and milestones
Commencement and compliance dates can differ. Read the conditions beside each date, including any stay or local adoption requirement.
- Announcement or publication
- Not established or not applicable
- Recorded effective date
- Jul 10, 2024
Selected exposure values
These values need the scope, limit type and averaging period shown below. A proposed or advisory value is not a binding limit.
Metallic chromium, as Cr(0), inhalable
0.5 mg/m3| Averaging period | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Limit type | TWA |
| Scope | WorkSafeBC workplaces |
Cobalt and inorganic compounds, as Co, inhalable
0.02 mg/m3| Averaging period | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Limit type | TWA |
| Scope | WorkSafeBC workplaces |
Manganese, elemental and inorganic compounds, as Mn, inhalable
0.1 mg/m3| Averaging period | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Limit type | TWA |
| Scope | WorkSafeBC workplaces |
What this could mean for your IH program
Check affected substances and sampling fractions against the adopted table.
Confirm applicability with a qualified practitioner before changing your program.
Questions and qualifications
- Sector examples do not establish legal coverage. Determine scope from the applicable regulation.
- Decision covers more substances than the selected numerical examples.
- Do not apply WorkSafeBC limits automatically to Mines Act workplaces.
Source evidence
- Decision on selected 2019 and 2020 ACGIH TLVs
WorkSafeBC · Decision paragraphs; exposure-limit table; non-adopted substances
Selected limits adopted July 10, 2024. Some recommended limits were not adopted because of sampling issues; respirable manganese was unchanged.
- BOD Decision 2024/05/29-03
WorkSafeBC · Board decision landing page
Confirms May 2024 Board adoption decision.
Managing your IH program
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