In-depth survey report: control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals at Wooster Community Hospital, Wooster, Ohio
An in-depth survey of control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization in the Central Services Department was conducted at Wooster Community Hospital, Wooster, Ohio, in February 1985. Industrial-hygiene sampling for ethylene oxide was performed. Engineering controls consisted of isolation of the sterilizers and aerators, general ventilation, and door controls for the load-transfer operation. All full-shift personal and area ethylene-oxide exposures were below 0.005 and 0.2 part per million (ppm), respectively. The OSHA time-weighted average (TWA) standard for ethylene oxide is 1 ppm. The author concludes that engineering controls work very well in limiting exposures and maintaining low ethylene oxide concentrations. Recommendations include installing alarm devices on the ventilation systems, increasing the exhaust flow rate in the hoods over the sterilizer doors, and relocating the evacuation line from the sterilizers to prevent possible reentry of ethylene oxide to the building.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6504235
- Report Number(s):
- PB-87-163887/XAB; ECTB-146-15B
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
DISINFECTANTS
GERMICIDES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HOSPITALS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENTS
MEDICINE
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
POLLUTION
SAFETY
STERILIZATION
TOXICITY
VENTILATION