What is indicated by LEL in gas safety terminology?

In gas safety terminology, LEL refers to the Lower Explosive Limit. This concept is critical in safety inspections for gas piping because it denotes the lowest concentration of a gas in the air that can ignite and cause an explosion if an ignition source is present. When the concentration of the gas is below this limit, the mixture is too lean to ignite; thus, knowing the LEL is essential for assessing the safety of environments where combustible gas may be present.

The Lower Exposure Limit is an appropriate interpretation of this term, as it emphasizes the limits to which personnel can be exposed to potentially explosive gas mixtures. Understanding LEL is crucial for ensuring safety protocols are adhered to and that gas levels remain within safe operating parameters to prevent accidents in environments where gas is present.