In-depth survey report: control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Report for 25 February-1 March 1985

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6080696

Mortimer, V D; Kercher, S L

A visit was made to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan to evaluate methods used to protect workers from exposures to ethylene oxide (EtO). Possible drain exposure was controlled by isolating all of the sterilizer unit except for the front panel, into a ventilated recess room. Charcoal-tube measurements indicated the facility had achieved excellent control of the full shift exposures with all values obtained being less than 0.2 parts per million (ppm). While exposures for to the sterilizer operators were low, it would be possible to reduce them even more by removing some of the impediments to the load transfer process. Rehinging the doors of the aerator to the other side would enable a smoother transfer to be made. Levels in the recess room were 100ppm near the drain, and this room must be avoided during purging and for some time following purging. However, no warnings were posted and the authors recommend that this hazardous situation be corrected. The drain exhaust should be added to the auxiliary exhaust system. A differential pressure sensor should be installed on the auxiliary ventilation system and an emergency evacuation and response plan be developed and rehearsed. Face shields and gloves should be required to protect the maintenance worker who changes the supply canisters of EtO.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6080696
• Report Number(s): PB-89-137152/XAB; ECTB-146-13B
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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