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| Methyl Methacrylate Halothane |
*OSHA - Regulations (Preambles to Final
Rules)
Section
3 - Title III.
Summary and Explanation of the Issues
and the Provisions of the Final Rule.
Sponsored by |
Ethylene oxide gas is widely used as a sterilant by healthcare centers and medical device manufacturers. EO Gas is recognized as an effective sterilant. It is the sterilization method of choice for heat and moisture labile instruments and devices. Care must be taken, however, to maintain monitoring, engineering, and work practice controls to provide a safe work environment.
Precautionary Statements:
Avoid breathing vapor. Use with adequate ventilation. Use PPE as required for the task. Wear splash goggles and/or face shield, gloves and protective clothing when handling pressurized cylinders. Items sterilized in ethylene oxide must be aerated to reduce residuals. There is no antidote for ethylene oxide. Treatment is supportive. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified ethylene oxide as an animal carcinogen and probable human carcinogen.
At concentrations above 10% by weight (HCFC mixtures) and 9% by weight (CO2 mixtures), Ethylene Oxide is a flammable, potentially explosive liquid. At relatively low temperatures it forms a highly penetrating gas. It has a sweet ether-like odor. However, the human odor threshold (ca. 500-600 ppm) does not provide sufficient warning of hazardous concentrations. **
What are the Exposure Standards?
The federal OSHA regulation, 29 CFR §1910.1047, Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide, establishes a maximum allowable exposure to ethylene oxide of:
1.0 ppm for an 8-hour TWA limit and
5.0 ppm for a 15-minute short term Excursion Limit (EL).There is also an Action Level of
0.5 ppm for an 8-hour TWA.OSHA Regulation 29 CFR §1910.1047, Ethylene Oxide
Monitoring must be done in the employee's breathing zone and using a monitoring method proven (validated) to meet the Accuracy Requirements OSHA has set in the regulation. You should have such validation on file.
OSHA : SAMPLING METHODS FOR ETHYLENE OXIDE
The Kem Medical #8500 ethylene oxide monitor has been validated to meet Accuracy Requirements for OSHA's 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 1.0 ppm and the 15-minute EL limit 5.0 ppm.
Request copy current validation material
What are the requirements for exposure monitoring?
The federal regulation requires, at least, initial monitoring; as well as repeat monitoring when changes are made in … employees, equipment, environmental conditions, etc. Repeated exposure to ethylene oxide is a major concern and is implicated regarding employee health. It is strongly recommended that policies and procedures be established for regularly scheduled employee monitoring.
OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over-exposed to airborne concentrations of ethylene oxide gas. You must have validation data on file documenting that the monitoring method used meets the Accuracy Requirements set in the federal regulation.
Record Keeping (The Importance of the Employee Report):
You must maintain documentation of your employee exposure monitoring. It is required that employees be informed of monitoring results within seven days after receipt of the results at the institution.
Employee monitoring documentation must include the following:
(ii) This record shall include at least the following information:
(A) The date of measurement;
(B) The operation involving exposure to EtO which is being monitored;
(C) Sampling and analytical methods used and evidence of their accuracy;
(D) Number, duration, and results of samples taken;
(E) Type of protective devices worn, if any; and
(F) Name, social security number and exposure of the employees whose exposures are represented.
(iii) The employer shall maintain this record for at least thirty (30) years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
Alarm Monitoring
Federal OSHA requires that you have an "alarm" system to "immediately alert your employees to an emergency situation (leak or spill)". No ceiling level has been set.
(iii) The plan shall include the elements prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.38, "Employee emergency plans and fire prevention plans."
(2) "Alerting employees." Where there is the possibility of employee exposure to EtO due to an emergency, means shall be developed to alert potentially affected employees of such occurrences promptly. Affected employees shall be immediately evacuated from the area in the event that an emergency occurs.
OSHA Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.1047(h)(2)
Requirements for Emergency EtO LimitLeak Testing
OSHA recommends, under engineering controls, that at least every two weeks, leak testing be performed of sterilizer, pipes, tanks, fittings..
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
* OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1047, Ethylene Oxide
** U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Resources, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
*** Hathaway, Gloria; Proctor, Nick; Hughes, James; Fischman, Michael: Chemical Hazards of the Workplace. pp. 312-313, 1991.
Precautionary Statements:
- Most formaldehyde exposure occurs by inhalation. When inhaled, formaldehyde can produce a narrowing of the bronchii and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
- Formaldehyde is a potent sensitizer and a probable human carcinogen.
- Formaldehyde is an eye, skin and respiratory-tract irritant.
- Formaldehyde is a potent allergen that can elicit hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible persons.
- Metabolic acidosis may occur from accumulation in the body of the metabolite formic acid.
- Formaldehyde is a highly toxic and flammable gas that is slightly heavier than air. It is used most often in an aqueous solution stabilized with methanol (formalin)*.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves is required.
What are the Exposure Standards?
The federal OSHA regulation, 29 CFR§1910.1048, Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde, establishes a maximum allowable exposure to formaldehyde of 0.75 ppm (0.94mg/m3) for an 8 hour TWA and a 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 2.0 ppm (2.5 mg/m3).
* OSHA Regulation 29 CFR §1910.1048, Formaldehyde
Monitoring must be done in the employee's breathing zone and using a monitoring method proven (validated) to meet the Accuracy Requirements OSHA has set in the regulation. You should have such validation on file.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8510 formaldehyde monitor has been validated for both the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 0.75 ppm (0.94mg/m3) and the 15-minute STEL limit of 2.0 ppm (2.5 mg/m3).
What are the requirements for exposure monitoring?
The federal regulation requires, at least, initial monitoring; and repeat monitoring when changes are made in … employees, equipment, environmental conditions, etc. It is strongly recommended that policies and procedures be established for employee monitoring.
OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over-exposed to airborne concentrations of formaldehyde. You must have validation data on file documenting that the monitoring method used meets the Accuracy Requirements set in the federal regulation.
Record Keeping (The Importance of the Employee Report):
You must maintain documentation of your employee exposure monitoring. It is required that employees be informed of monitoring results within seven days after receipt of the results at the institution. Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee.
Employee monitoring documentation must include the following:
(ii) This record shall include at least the following information:
(A) The date of measurement;
(B) The operation involving exposure to Formaldehyde which is being monitored;
(C) Sampling and analytical methods used and evidence of their accuracy;
(D) Number, duration, and results of samples taken;
(E) Type of protective devices worn, if any; and
(F) Name, social security number and exposure of the employees whose exposures are represented.
(iii) The employer shall maintain this record for at least thirty (30) years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
* OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1048, Formaldehyde
** U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Vol. 3.
Glutaraldehyde is a powerful biocidal agent having the advantage of continued activity in the presence of organic material. It displays a broad spectrum of activity and rapid kill rate against the majority of microorganisms.
Precautionary Statements:
Avoid breathing vapor. Use with adequate ventilation. NIOSH recommends under "fume" hood. Glutaraldehyde may also be absorbed into the body via skin contact and ingestion. Wear splash goggles and/or face shield, gloves (nitrile) and protective clothing.
Exposure to glutaraldehyde may cause occupational asthma*.
- A 1994 survey reported an increase in skin rashes, eye irritations, headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain/discomfort, cough and fatigue due to glutaraldehyde exposure. Almost 60% of all of these respondents reported that their symptoms/illnesses started since their exposure to glutaraldehyde.**
- Tests have shown that workers can be subjected to high glutaraldehyde exposure levels during the process of pouring waste glutaraldehyde. Significant splashing and agitation may occur which can elevate exposure levels to possibly two or three times the limit of 0.20 ppm.***
What Are the Exposure Standards?
In 1989, OSHA adopted a TLV-C of 0.2 ppm for glutaraldehyde as part of its Air Contaminants Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000). None of the exposure limits added to the Air Contaminants Standard are currently in force, due to legal challenges to procedural aspects. Additionally, 11 states with federally approved state OSHA programs had formally decided to continue enforcement of the 0.2 ppm TLV-C. In 1995, a major manufacturer of glutaraldehyde and a major manufacturer of glutaraldehyde solutions lowered their internal and recommended airborne exposure limits for glutaraldehyde to a TLV-C of 0.1 ppm. In 1999, ACGIH reduced its TLV-C for glutaraldehyde to a TLV-C of 0.05 ppm.
Currently, OSHA may use any of these exposure limits as evidence of a safe workplace, under it's general duty clause (an employer has a general duty to provide a safe work environment for it's employees). A ceiling level should be "measured by real-time instrumentation if possible, or averaged over the shortest possible time."
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Implementing responsible programs assures a safe work place environment and reduces potential adverse health effects on the employee.
The GLUT-Rx™ glutaraldehyde safety products allow you to continue using glutaraldehyde, but with the assurance that you are safe from its harmful effects.
* Department of Public Health, State of Michigan, April 1994.
** Results of Endoscopic Disinfectant Survey,. Ellett, M., Presented at the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) annual convention, Cincinnati, OH, May 1994.
*** Notarianni, George: Controlling glutaraldehyde exposure: Part I. pp. 20-26, March 1995.
Warnings:
Avoid exposure to ortho-Phthalaldehyde vapors, as they may be irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes. May cause stinging sensation in the nose and throat, discharge, coughing, chest discomfort and tightness, difficulty with breathing or headache. May aggravate a pre-existing asthma or bronchitis condition. In case of adverse reactions from inhalation of vapor, move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be given by qualified personnel. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
When disinfecting devices, use gloves of appropriate type and length, eye protection and fluid-resistant gowns. When using latex rubber gloves, the use should double glove and/or change gloves frequently, e.g. after 12 minutes of exposure. Nitrile rubber gloves, butyl rubber gloves, and 100% copolymer gloves may be used.
Use OPA solution in a well-ventilated area and in closed containers with tight-fitting lids. If adequate ventilation is not provided by the existing air conditioning system, use in local exhaust hoods, or in ductless fume hoods/portable ventilation devices which contain filter media which absorb ortho-Phthalaldehyde from the air.
Precautionary Statements:
Avoid breathing vapor. Use with adequate ventilation. Wear splash goggles and/or face shield, gloves and protective clothing. Prolonged skin contact may cause chemical burns. There is no antidote for methylene chloride. Treatment is supportive. Methylene Chloride can cause acute central nervous system and respiratory depression, with resultant cardiac dysrhythmias. The EPA has determined that methylene chloride is a probable carcinogen to humans.
Methylene chloride causes skin irritation and blistering.*
Typical acute symptoms include headache, drowsiness, slurred speech, decreased alertness, irritability, impaired gait and stupor. Rapid loss of consciousness, coma, seizures and death have been reported.*
What is the exposure standard?
No employee exposure should exceed 25 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or 125 ppm or 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL).
What are the requirements for exposure monitoring?
The federal regulation requires, at least, initial monitoring; and repeat monitoring when changes are made in … employees, equipment, environmental conditions, etc. It is strongly recommended that policies and procedures be established for employee monitoring.
OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over-exposed to airborne concentrations of formaldehyde. You must have validation data on file documenting that the monitoring method used meets the Accuracy Requirements set in the federal regulation.
Record Keeping (The Importance of the Employee Report):
You must maintain documentation of your employee exposure monitoring. It is required that employees be informed of monitoring results within seven days after receipt of the results at the institution. Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee.
Employee monitoring documentation must include the following:
OSHA Regulation 1910.1052, Methylene Chloride
(2) Exposure measurements. (i) The employer shall establish and keep an accurate record of all measurements taken to monitor employee exposure to MC as prescribed in paragraph (d) of this section.
(ii) Where the employer has 20 or more employees, this record shall include at least the following information:
(A) The date of measurement for each sample taken;
(B) The operation involving exposure to MC which is being monitored;
..1910.1052(m)(2)(ii)(C)
(C) Sampling and analytical methods used and evidence of their accuracy;
(D) Number, duration, and results of samples taken;
(E) Type of personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protective devices, worn, if any; and
(F) Name, social security number, job classification and exposure of all of the employees represented by monitoring, indicating which employees were actually monitored.
(iii) Where the employer has fewer than 20 employees, the record shall include at least the following information:
(A) The date of measurement for each sample taken;
(B) Number, duration, and results of samples taken; and
(C) Name, social security number, job classification and exposure of all of the employees represented by monitoring, indicating which employees were actually monitored.
..1910.1052(m)(2)(iv)
(iv) The employer shall maintain this record for at least thirty (30) years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® #8543 methylene chloride monitor has been validated for the new OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 25 ppm and 125 ppm for a 15-minute STEL.
* U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
**Hathaway, Gloria; Proctor, Nick; Hughes, James; Fischman, Michael: Chemical Hazards of the Workplace. pp. 312-313, 1991.
Precautionary Statements:
- Xylene is an eye, skin and respiratory-tract irritant. Symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity are apparent immediately after inhalation of high xylene concentrations and 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion.
- Inhalation of massive doses of xylene can cause cardiac abnormalities.
- In large amounts xylene depresses the central nervous system and may lower the threshold of the heart to the effects of epinephrine, potentially disrupting heart rhythm.
- Short term exposure can cause the following symptoms: difficulty in breathing, impaired function of the lungs, delayed response to a visual stimulus, impaired memory, stomach discomfort, and possible changes in the liver and kidneys.
- Most people begin to smell xylene in air at 0.08 - 3.7 ppm and begin to taste it in water at 0.53 - 1.8 ppm.
- If the OSHA Air Contaminant Standard 29 CFR§1910.1000 which establishes a maximum allowable exposure to xylene of 100 ppm for an 8-hour TWA limit and 150 ppm for a 15-minute STEL limit is exceeded for any recordable instance, the facility must supply workers with proper protective clothing.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to xylene is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of xylene.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 100 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or 150 ppm for a 15-minute short term exposure limit (STEL).
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Both the 8-hour TWA and 15-minute STEL monitoring should be documented for your record-keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for XYLENE have been validated for both the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 100ppm(435 mg/m3) and the 15-minute STEL limit of 150ppm(555mg/m3).
Precautionary Statements:
- Toluene is an eye, skin and respiratory-tract irritant. Symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity are apparent immediately after inhalation of high toluene concentrations and 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion.
- Inhalation of massive doses of toluene can cause cardiac abnormalities.
- In large amounts toluene depresses the central nervous system and may lower the threshold of the heart to the effects of epinephrine, potentially disrupting heart rhythm.
- Short term exposure can cause the following symptoms: difficulty in breathing, impaired function of the lungs, delayed response to a visual stimulus, impaired memory, stomach discomfort, and possible changes in the kidneys.
- Toluene causes death by interfering with the way you breathe and the way your heart beats.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to toluene is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of toluene.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 100 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or 150 ppm for a 15-minute (ceiling) short term exposure limit (STEL).
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Both the 8-hour TWA and 15-minute STEL monitoring should be documented for your record-keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for TOLUENE have been validated for both the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 100 ppm (375mg/m3) and the 15-minute STEL limit of 150 ppm (560mg/m3).
Precautionary Statements:
- Benzene is an eye, skin and respiratory-tract irritant. Symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity are apparent immediately after inhalation of high benzene concentrations and 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion.
- Inhalation of massive doses of benzene can cause cardiac abnormalities. Also, accumulation of fluid in the lungs and respiratory arrest may ensue.
- In large amounts benzene depresses the central nervous system and may cause irregular heart rhythm.
- Short term exposure can cause the following symptoms: difficulty in breathing, impaired function of the lungs, delayed response to a visual stimulus, impaired memory, stomach discomfort, and possible changes in blood cell activity.
- Severe effects from high concentrations of benzene include tremors, respiratory depression, confusion, loss of consciousness, coma and death.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to benzene is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of xylene.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 1.0 ppm for an 8-hour TWA limit and 5.0 ppm for a 15-minute STEL limit
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Both the 8-hour TWA and 15-minute STEL monitoring should be documented for your record-keeping.
If the OSHA Air Contaminant Standard 29 CFR§1910.1028 which establishes a maximum allowable exposure to benzene of
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8600 organic vapor monitor has been validated for benzene monitoring at both the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 1.0 ppm and the 15-minute STEL limit of 5.0 ppm.
Precautionary Statements:
- Isopropanol is an irritant of the eyes and mucous membranes. At high doses it causes central nervous system depression.
- Human subjects exposed to 400 ppm for 3 to 5 minutes experienced mild irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. At 800 ppm, the majority of the subjects considered the atmosphere uncomfortable.
- Renal insufficiency, including anuria and edema may be a complication of isopropanol poisoning by ingestion.
- In the eye of a rabbit, 70% isopropanol caused conjunctivitis, iritic and corneal opacity.
- In an industrial setting, isopropanol has been shown to enhance the acute toxicity of carbon tetrachloride.
- If the OSHA maximum allowable exposure to isopropanol of 400 ppm for an 8 hour TWA is exceeded for any recordable instance, the facility must supply workers with proper protective equipment.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8610 isopropanol monitor has been validated for the OSHA 8 hour TWA exposure limit of 400ppm(980mg/m3) and the NIOSH 15 minute STEL of 500ppm(1225mg/m3).
Exposure can affect the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. Ethanol can irritate the skin. Repeated contact can dry the skin with cracking, peeling, and itching.
Precautionary Statements:
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) may cause mutations (genetic changes). Handle with extreme care. High concentrations may damage the fetus. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. The OSHA permissible exposure limit of 1,000 ppm exposure limit is for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less that the OSHA permissible limit.
Breathing ethanol can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath.
Exposure can cause headache, nausea, a feeling of heat, and drowsiness. Higher exposure can cause unconsciousness. Repeated high exposure may affect the liver and the nervous system.
Repeated exposure to ethanol may cause spontaneous abortions, as well as birth defects and other developmental problems. Ethanol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, and NFPA. List cited identified by the EPA. It is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is flammable.
Avoid skin contact with ethanol. Wear proper protective equipment.
Exposure can affect the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. Ethanol can irritate the skin. Repeated contact can dry the skin with cracking, peeling, and itching.
For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the PEL or greater, or significant skin contact) liver function tests and analysis of blood, urine, and exhaled breath for ethanol are recommended.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to ethanol is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of ethanol.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 1000 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). There is no STEL Standard for this vapor.
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Monitoring should be documented for your record keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for Ethanol have been validated for the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 1000ppm(1900mg/m3).
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Implementing responsible programs assures a safe work place environment and reduces potential adverse health effects on the employee.
Precautionary Statements:
Avoid breathing vapor. Use with adequate ventilation. Wear splash goggles and/or face shield, gloves and protective clothing. It may damage the developing fetus. There is limited evidence that methyl methacrylate causes mutation, genetic changes in living cells.
- Methyl Methacrylate is on the hazardous substance list because it is cited by OSHA, ACGIH, DEP and EPA, and other authorities. It is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance list because it is flammable and reactive*.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8620 methyl methacrylate monitor has been validated for the NIOSH/OSHA/ACGIH TWA exposure limit of 100 ppm(410mg/m3).
No STEL limit is under current recommendation.
* New Jersey Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet for Methyl Methacrylate, 1989.
** U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control NIOSH, pp. 5-30 - 5-31, 1988.
NIOSH Warns: Nitrous Oxide Continues to Threaten Health Care Workers
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a warning to the hundreds of thousands of medical, dental, and veterinary professionals who work with nitrous oxide (N2O). The Institute warns that even with preventative measures such as scavenging systems in place these workers may be at risk for serious health effects due to their exposure.
Workers and employers should take the following steps to reduce N2O exposure in the workplace:
- Monitor anesthetic equipment when installed and every 3 months thereafter:
- Leak test equipment
- Monitor air in the worker’s personal breathing zone
- Monitor the environment (room air)
- Prevent leakage from the anesthetic delivery system through proper maintenance and inspection of equipment. Eliminate or replace the following:
- Loose-fitting connections
- Loosely assembled or deformed slip joints and threaded connections
- Defective or worn seals, gaskets, breathing bags, and hoses
- Control waste N2O with a well designed scavenging system that includes the following:
- Securely fitting masks
- Sufficient flow rates (i.e. 45 liters per minute) for the exhaust system
- Properly vented vacuum pumps
- Make sure that the room ventilation effectively removes waste N2O.
If concentrations of N2O are above 25 ppm, take the following steps:
- Increase the air flow in the room
- Use supplemental local ventilation to capture N2O at the source
- Institute an education program that describes N2O hazards and defines prevention measures
The above information is from DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-118 May 25, 1994, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8530 Nitrous Oxide monitor has been validated for accuracy at all recommended exposure limits:
Hospital environments: 8 hr TWA ± 25% at 25.0 ppm
Dental operatory environments: 8 hr TWA ± 25% at 25.0 ppm
California - All Environments: 8 hr TWA± 25% at 50.0 ppm
Precautionary Statements:
- Isoflurane is not metabolized within the body. It has been found in the exhaled breath of both patients and operating room staff for periods ranging from hours to several days after the administration of the anesthetic.
- Inhalation of excessive amounts of isoflurane can cause drowsiness, irritability, depression, headache, fatigue and problems of judgment and coordination.
- Epidemiological studies have found increased incidences of embryo toxicity, liver and kidney disease, and cancer among groups of female personnel working in the operating room.
- A 1975 survey indicated an increased risk of spontaneous abortion among female Anesthesiologists, and other staff personnel who worked in operating rooms during their first trimester of pregnancy and the year preceding.
- An increased risk of congenital abnormalities also existed among the live-born babies of exposed female participants surveyed.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8531 Isoflurane monitor has been validated for the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 2.0 ppm (16.15mg/m3).
* U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service NIOSH.
Precautionary Statements:
- Halothane is not metabolized within the body. It has been found in the exhaled breath of both patients and operating room staff for periods ranging from hours to several days after the administration of the anesthetic.
- Inhalation of excessive amounts of halothane can cause drowsiness, irritability, depression, headache, fatigue and problems of judgment and coordination.
- Epidemiological studies have found increased incidences of embryo toxicity, liver and kidney disease, and cancer among groups of female personnel working in the operating room.
- A 1975 survey indicated an increased risk of spontaneous abortion among female Anesthesiologists, and other staff personnel who worked in operating rooms during their first trimester of pregnancy and the year preceding.
- An increased risk of congenital abnormalities also existed among the live-born babies of exposed female participants surveyed.
- If the OSHA maximum allowable exposure to halothane of 2.0 ppm for a ceiling limit is exceeded for any recordable instance, the facility must supply workers with proper protective equipment.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® 8531 halothane monitor has been validated for
the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 2.0 ppm.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to halothane is a major concern and is implicated regarding employee health. Since you use halothane, there is potential for exposure.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 1.0 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or 2.0 ppm for a 1 hour (ceiling).
Who And When Should We Monitor?
The potential for halothane exposure in health care facilities is a valid concern. Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. This will provide you with a year round environmental "snapshot" within your facility. Both the 8-hour TWA and 1-hour ceiling monitoring should be documented for your record-keeping.
Effects of exposure to waste anesthetic gases include dizziness, feeling of being light-headed, nausea, fatigue, headache, irritability, and depression. Employee exposure to waste anesthetic gases may experience difficulty with cognitive, perception, and motor skills.
Precautionary Statements:
Exposure measurements taken in OR's during the clinical administration of inhaled anesthetics indicate that waste gases can escape into the room from various components of the anesthesia delivery system. Potential leak sources include tank valves, high and low pressure machine connections, connections in the breathing circuit, defects in rubber and plastic tubing, hoses, reservoir bags, and ventilator bellows and Y-connector.
Halogenated agents are used with and without N2O and have been linked to reproductive problems in women and developmental effects in their offspring*.
*OSHA Anesthetic Gases: Guidelines for Workplace Exposures
- Certain anesthetic techniques such as leaving the gas flow valves open and vaporizers on after use, spillage of liquid inhaled anesthetics, and poorly fitting face masks or improperly inflated tracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway cuffs also can contribute to the escape of waste anesthetic gas into the atmosphere.
- In general, the detection of halogenated anesthetic agents by their odor would indicate the existence of very high levels, as these agents do not have a strong odor at low concentrations.
- Since there is limited data, occupational exposure limits for these agents have not been determined. Therefore, until more information is available, it is prudent to attempt to minimize occupational exposure.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to waste anesthetic gases is a major concern. NIOSH recommends that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of waste anesthetic gases.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
NIOSH has recommended that exposure to this halogenated anesthetic gas should be controlled with a 1-hour Ceiling Limit of 2.0 ppm.
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Monitoring should be documented for your record keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for Desflurane have been validated for the NIOSH recommended 1-hour Ceiling exposure limit of 2.00ppm.
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Effects of exposure to waste anesthetic gases include dizziness, feeling of being light-headed, nausea, fatigue, headache, irritability, and depression. Employee exposure to waste anesthetic gases may experience difficulty with cognitive, perception, and motor skills.
Precautionary Statements:
Exposure measurements taken in OR’s during the clinical administration of inhaled anesthetics indicate that waste gases can escape into the room from various components of the anesthesia delivery system. Potential leak sources include tank valves, high and low pressure machine connections, connections in the breathing circuit, defects in rubber and plastic tubing, hoses, reservoir bags, and ventilator bellows and Y-connector.
Halogenated agents are used with and without N2O and have been linked to reproductive problems in women and developmental effects in their offspring*.
*OSHA Anesthetic Gases: Guidelines for Workplace Exposures
- Certain anesthetic techniques such as leaving the gas flow valves open and vaporizers on after use, spillage of liquid inhaled anesthetics, and poorly fitting face masks or improperly inflated tracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway cuffs also can contribute to the escape of waste anesthetic gas into the atmosphere.
- In general, the detection of halogenated anesthetic agents by their odor would indicate the existence of very high levels, as these agents do not have a strong odor at low concentrations.
- Since there is limited data, occupational exposure limits for these agents have not been determined. Therefore, until more information is available, it is prudent to attempt to minimize occupational exposure.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to waste anesthetic gases is a major concern. NIOSH recommends that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of waste anesthetic gases.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
NIOSH has recommended that exposure to this halogenated anesthetic gas should be controlled with a 1-hour Ceiling Limit of 2.0 ppm.
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Monitoring should be documented for your record keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for Sevoflurane have been validated for the NIOSH recommended 1-hour Ceiling exposure limit of 2.00ppm.
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Implementing responsible programs assures a safe work place environment and reduces potential adverse health effects on the employee.
Acetic acid is a corrosive chemical and contact can cause severe irritation, burns, and permanent damage to the eyes.
Precautionary Statements:
Repeated exposure to acetic acid may cause bronchitis to develop, with cough, phlegm and/or shortness of breath.
Ingestion of acetic acid causes severe pain in the mouth, gullet and stomach, possibly circulatory collapse, uremia, and death.
Acetic acid can irritate the mouth, throat, and nose. It can irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
Exposure to acetic acid occurs through breathing it in the workplace air, and/or contact with the skin. Repeated exposure to acetic acid can cause thickening and cracking of the skin, particularly the skin of the hands. Delayed exposure effects included irritation of the respiratory tract, chronic bronchitis, and erosion of teeth. Acetic acid is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, SPA, and NFPA. This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is corrosive.
- Post hazard and warning information in the work area.
- In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of acetic acid to potentially exposed workers.
- Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to acetic acid is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of acetic acid.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 10 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The ACGIH has recommended that no employee exceed a 15-minute (STEL) exposure of 15 ppm.
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Monitoring should be documented for your record keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK(R)
monitors for Acetic Acid have been validated for both
the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 10ppm(25mg/m3)
and the ACGIH recommended 15-minute STEL limit of 15ppm(37mg/m3).
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Hydrogen Peroxide is a mutagen and should be handled as a carcinogen with extreme caution. Hydrogen. Peroxide is a corrosive chemical and contact can irritate and burn the eyes and skin causing damage. Breathing hydrogen peroxide can irritate the nose and throat. It can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
Precautionary Statements:
Hydrogen Peroxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, DOT, NFPA, and EPA. This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazardous Substance List because it is corrosive, reactive, and a mutagen. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible.
Chronic Health Effects:
- Cancer Hazard
Hydrogen peroxide causes mutations (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer risk.
- Reproductive Hazard:
There is insufficient information available to evaluate hydrogen peroxide for its ability to affect reproduction.
- Other Long Term Effects:
Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause a rash with redness and blisters.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to ethanol is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of ethanol.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 1.0 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). There is no STEL Standard for this vapor.
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Monitoring should be documented for your record keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for Hydrogen Peroxide have been validated for the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 1.0ppm(1.4mg/m3).
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Implementing responsible programs assures a safe work place environment and reduces potential adverse health effects on the employee.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) can affect you when inhaled and by passing through your skin. Its vapor is irritating to mucous membranes, and conjunctiva. Breathing MEK can irritate the nose and throat causing wheezing and coughing.
Precautionary Statements:
MEK can irritate the skin causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. Repeated exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage.
Exposure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and may cause you to pass out. Repeated high exposure can damage the nervous system and may affect the brain.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, DEP, HHAG, NFPA, and EPA.
This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is flammable.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone can cause health effects through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with the skin.
Acute (short-term) inhalation to MEK in humans results in irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Limited information is available on the chronic (long-term) effects of MEK in humans. Chronic inhalation studies in animals have reported slight neurological, liver, kidney, and respiratory effects. No information is available on the developmental, reproductive, or carcinogenic effects of MEK in human. Developmental effects, including decreased fetal weight and fetal malformations, have been reported in mice and rats exposed to MEK via inhalation and ingestion. [EPA]
- The odor threshold is 16 ppm.
- The EPA has classified MEK as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity, based on the lack of data.
Why Should We Monitor?
Repeated exposure to methyl ethyl ketone is a major concern. OSHA requires that you monitor to establish that your employees are not over exposed to airborne concentrations of methyl ethyl ketone.
What Are The Exposure Standards?
No employee exposure should exceed 200 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The ACGIH recommends an exposure limit of 300 ppm for a 15-minute STEL.
Who And When Should We Monitor?
Periodic monitoring should be performed to maintain an exposure profile of each employee. Monitoring should be documented for your record keeping.
The Kem Medical VAPOR-TRAK® monitors for Methyl Ethyl Ketone have been validated for the OSHA 8-hour TWA exposure limit of 200ppm (590mg/m3).
On-Site Industrial Hygiene Testing
Diagnostic on-site monitoring and air quality/balance analysis can provide valuable information and aid in safety and compliance. Comprehensive monitoring programs performed on a regular basis assure a safe work place environment for your employees.
Implementing responsible programs assures a safe work place environment and reduces potential adverse health effects on the employee.
We manufacture monitoring products validated for most OSHA regulated or researched chemical exposure problems. If you are unable to find information on the chemical exposure problem you are interested in, however, try OSHA's Search Software:
OSHA SEARCH - EXPOSURE STANDARDS
Kem
Medical Products Corp.
75 Price Parkway, Farmingdale NY 11735 USA
800-553-0330 or 631-454-6565
Fax: 631-454-8083
E-mail: mail@kemmed.com
VAPOR-TRAK(R) is a
registered trademark, and GLUT-Rx™, Kem-Safe™, and KEM™ are trademarks of
Kem Medical Products Corp.
All other product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.
