What is the basic difference between NFPA and ACGIH standards?
NFPA standards are adopted through an open, transparent, and participatory process that allows all interested parties to have their concerns aired and discussed, and in the end addressed. In many ways, the NFPA process resembles the typical notice and comment rulemaking in terms of open participation, and goes further in seeking consensus on topics on which reasonable experts might differ. The ACGIH TLV Committee, in contrast, is a closed committee of invited members limited to designated “experts” who may or may not have practical experience and training in the particular subject in review. The general public is excluded from ACGIH Committee deliberations, and has no opportunity to have their concerns or insights heard, much less have a voice in the outcome. ACGIH’s process is inherently exclusionary, undemocratic, and unsuitable for developing standards that will impact a broad cross-section of employers and employees. NFPA is an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer. The NFPA fire saf
