• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with Ethylene Oxide?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with Ethylene Oxide?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to EO, then wear suitable personal protection equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Care, and Use of Respirators", available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ETHYLENE OXIDE (EO) CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 5 ppm: Gas mask with canister to protect against EO*; or full- facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:

Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with canister to protect against EO*; or escape- type SCBA.

*NOTE: End of service life indicator (ESLI) required.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for EO is 800 ppm. Carcinogenic effects of this compound were not considered in determining the IDLH value. The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

NOTE: The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for EO is less than 0.1 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average concentration) and 5 ppm as a 10- minute per day time-weighted average concentration (ceiling)).

NIOSH has classified this material as a potential occupational carcinogen, according to specific NIOSH criteria. This classification is reflected in these recommendations for respiratory protection, which specify that only the most reliable and protective respirators be worn. Requirements in other jurisdictions may vary.

The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with Ethylene Oxide?

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with Ethylene Oxide?

Chemical protective gloves, coveralls, boots and/or other protective clothing. Have a safety shower readily available in the immediate work area. A chemical protective full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection may be required in some operations.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

Guidelines for ethylene oxide:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Barricade(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM) and Tychem 10000(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Butyl rubber, Teflon(TM) and 4H(TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Viton(TM) and Saranex(TM).

Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less).

Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas. Maintain good housekeeping.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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