Preliminary survey report: control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization at Selby General Hospital, Marietta, Ohio

Technical Report · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:5945745

Kercher, S L; Mortimer, V D; Todd, W F

A survey of control technology for reducing exposure during ethylene oxide sterilization was conducted at Selby General Hospital, Marietta, Ohio on August 30, 1984. The Central Services Department performed ethylene oxide sterilization for obstetrics, neonatal care, respiratory therapy, cytology, isolation cases, and surgery. Engineering controls consisted of isolation of the sterilizer and aerators, local exhaust ventilation, a continuous fresh air purge on the sterilization cycle, in chamber aeration of the sterilizers, and general exhaust ventilation of the Central Services Department and the sterilizer room. The author concludes that the Central Services Department has instituted control technology that minimizes employee exposure to ethylene-oxide. The hospital should be considered a candidate for an in-depth survey in a NIOSH study of control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5945745
• Report Number(s): PB-86-117546/XAB; CT-146-16A
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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