IDLH
Government & Politics abbreviation · Emergency Services
| Stands for | Immediately dangerous to life or health |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
IDLH stands for Immediately dangerous to life or health, an emergency services abbreviation.
Exposure level of a toxic gas, vapor or oxygen deficiency that could cause death, permanent health damage or prevent escape within 30 minutes. IDLH atmospheres require supplied-air respirators such as SCBA.
Example: Any structure fire interior is treated as IDLH, so full SCBA is required.
Usage notes
NIOSH publishes IDLH values for hundreds of chemicals. OSHA uses the concept in its respiratory protection rules, including the two-in, two-out requirement. Oxygen levels below 19.5 percent are considered oxygen-deficient.
Related abbreviations
More emergency services abbreviations
- FF – Firefighter
- HAZMAT – Hazardous materials
- IAP – Incident action plan
- IC – Incident commander
- ICP – Incident command post
- ICS – Incident Command System
- IMT – Incident management team
- IPAWS – Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
- JIC – Joint information center
- LAFD – Los Angeles Fire Department
- LEL – Lower explosive limit
- LFB – London Fire Brigade