Hazard-evaluation and technical-assistance report No. TA-78-36, Boulder Memorial Hospital, Boulder, Colorado. [Ethylene oxide exposures]
Technical Report
·
OSTI ID:6839872
In response to a request from Boulder Memorial Hospital personnel, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous exposures to ethylene oxide in the Central Supply sterilization area. Breathing zone air samples were significantly below recommended limits. Ethylene oxide concentrations of 770mg/m/sup 3/ were found inside the sterilization equipment; a concentration of 202mg/m/sup 3/ was found in the aeration unit. No equipment leakage was noted, but a potential for overexposure was noted when the sterilizer was first opened. The author concludes that no hazard currently exists for worker exposure to ethylene oxide in this area. The author recommends that a safety ventilation system be installed that could vent air coming from the sterilizer into the room just after the sterilization process is complete. At the time of the survey, the only ventilation in the room was intake air moving at about 300 linear feet per minute over a fresh air 1-square-foot duct. Other recommendations include immediate placement of equipment in the aeration unit following the sterilization procedure and posting of warning signs at entrances to areas where ethylene oxide is used as a sterilant.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6839872
- Report Number(s):
- PB-88-224597/XAB; NIOSH/TA-78-36
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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