Kick-off Values​

Understanding Kick-Off Values in Occupational Hygiene

In occupational hygiene, safeguarding workers from hazardous substances is paramount. However, many substances lack formal occupational exposure limits (OELs), posing challenges for effective risk management. To address this gap, DOHSBase introduced the concept of “kick-off” values in 2005, with an update in 2014. These values serve as conservative starting points for managing substances without established OELs, ensuring a higher standard of workplace safety.

Understanding Kick-Off Values

Kick-off values are derived from the distribution of existing limit values for substances sharing similar hazard classifications, specifically H-statements under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulations. Defined as the 10th percentile of this distribution, a kick-off value indicates that 90% of substances within the same hazard category have higher limit values. This conservative approach ensures that even in the absence of formal OELs, there is a benchmark to guide safe exposure levels.

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For a deeper understanding of the development and application of kick-off values, you can read the background article provided by DOHSBase.

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Development & Implementation

Limit Value Analysis: Examined distributions of substances with similar H-statements.
Control Banding: Grouped chemicals based on hazards to suggest control measures.
Risk Management: Recognized as an effective strategy for handling chemical risks.
Cost Reduction: Minimizes need for expensive health-based research.
Proactive Approach: Helps organizations manage risks efficiently.
Workplace Safety: Provides interim guidelines for safer exposure limits.

” The practicality and reliability of kick-off values have led to their acceptance by regulatory bodies. Since 2012, the Dutch Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW) has referenced DOHSBase’s methodology in guidance documents for determining limit values, acknowledging kick-off values as a valid tool for compliance with hazardous substances regulations. “

Utilizing DOHSBase Online for Kick-Off Values

DOHSBase Online provides access to kick-off values, enabling users to:

Explore Multiple Substances:

Gain insights into various chemicals, including their limit values, kick-off values, and essential information for safe handling.

Enhance Workplace Safety:

Implement appropriate control measures based on reliable data, even for substances lacking formal OELs.

Kick-off values represent a proactive approach to occupational hygiene, addressing the challenges posed by substances without formal exposure limits. By leveraging statistical analyses and Control Banding methodologies, these values provide conservative benchmarks that enhance worker protection. The acceptance of kick-off values by regulatory authorities further underscores their significance in contemporary occupational health practices.

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Want To Ask Something ?

Kick-off values are conservative benchmarks developed for substances lacking formal occupational exposure limits, based on the 10th percentile of limit value distributions for substances with similar hazard classifications.
They are calculated by analyzing the distribution of existing limit values for substances with similar hazard classifications, setting the kick-off value at the 10th percentile to ensure a conservative safety margin.
They provide interim exposure guidelines for substances without formal limits, aiding in effective risk management and enhancing worker protection.