Ethylene Oxide
Chapter 296-855, WAC
|
Effective
Date: 01/01/06 |
Contents Helpful
Tools Index Download
This chapter applies to all occupational
exposure to ethylene oxide.
| 
|
Definitions:
-
Ethylene
oxide (EtO) is an organic chemical represented
by the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number
75-21-8. It is a flammable colorless gas that is commonly
used to sterilize medical equipment and as a fumigant
for certain agricultural products. It is also used as
an intermediary in the production of various chemicals
such as ethylene glycol, automotive antifreeze, and polyethylene.
-
Exposure
is the contact an employee has with EtO, whether or not
protection is provided by respirators or other personal
protective equipment (PPE). Exposure can occur through
various routes of entry such as inhalation, ingestion,
or skin and eye contact.
|
Some of the requirements in this chapter may not apply to every
workplace with an occupational exposure to EtO. The following
steps will show which requirements apply to your workplace based
on employee exposure monitoring results.
Step 1: Follow requirements
in the basic rules section, WAC 296-855-20010
through 296-855-20090.
Step 2: Use employee exposure
monitoring results from the exposure
evaluations required by, Exposure evaluations, WAC 296-855-20050,
and follow Table 1 to find out which additional
sections of this chapter apply to your workplace.
Step 3: You need only follow
Exposure records, WAC 296-855-20070
and
Medical records, WAC
296-855-30080 if you have documentation
conclusively demonstrating that employee exposure for ethylene
oxide and the operation where it’s used, can't exceed the
AL or STEL during any conditions reasonably anticipated.
- Such documentation can be based on observations,
data, calculations, and previous air monitoring results
Table
1
Sections That Apply to Your Workplace |
If |
Then continue to follow the basic rules, and
the additional requirements in |
| Employee exposure monitoring results are below the AL and
STEL |
No additional requirements if exposure remain stable |
Employee exposure monitoring results are above the PELS
Note: PEL refers to both the STEL and TWA |
• Exposure and medical monitoring, WAC 296-855-30010
through 296-855-30080;
and
• Exposure control, WAC 296-855-40010
through 296-855-40040 |
Employee exposure monitoring results are above the AL
and
Below the STEL |
Exposure and medical monitoring, WAC 296-855-30010
through 296-855-30080 |
| Where there is a possibility of an emergency release of
EtO |
Establish a written emergency response plan and a means
of alerting potentially exposed employees as found in Exposure
control plan, WAC
296-855-40010 |
|
For
printing