In-depth survey report: control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals at St. Francis/St. George Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio

Technical Report · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:6111750

O'Brien, D

An in-depth survey of control technology for reducing exposure during ethylene-oxide sterilization was conducted at Saint Francis/Saint George Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, in January, 1985. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for ethylene-oxide. Engineering controls consisted of isolating the sterilizer, local exhaust ventilation above the sterilizer door and exit drain, and general ventilation. The author commends the facility for a very sound program of ethylene-oxide control. Decontamination room personnel could be at risk in case of an inadvertent release of ethylene-oxide from the sterilizer safety valve or other leaks in the sterilizer cabinet. The condition could be easily remedied by enclosing the top of the cabinet. Environmental monitoring is also recommended.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA). Div. of Physical Sciences and Engineering
• OSTI ID: 6111750
• Report Number(s): PB-86-125200/XAB; CT-146-17B
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HOSPITALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENTS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
POLLUTION
SAFETY
TOXICITY
VENTILATION