What does LEL stand for in fire safety terminology?

LEL stands for Lower Explosive Limit in fire safety terminology. This term refers to the lowest concentration of a combustible gas or vapor in the air that can ignite and cause a flame. Understanding the LEL is crucial for firefighters and safety personnel because it helps them to determine the safe levels of hazardous materials when responding to incidents. If the concentration of gas or vapor is below the LEL, it is considered too lean to ignite; thus, there is a reduced risk for fire or explosion in that environment. Monitoring and measuring LEL are essential practices in ensuring safety at the scene of a fire or hazardous materials incident.