This chapter applies to occupational exposure to
ethylene oxide.
Definition:
Ethylene oxide (EtO). 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. 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 one :
|
Follow requirements in the basic
rules section, WAC
296-855-20010
through
296-855-20090.
|
|
Step two:
|
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 three:
|
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, cannot
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
exposures 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
|
| When 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.
|
Notes
Wash. Admin. Code §
296-855-100
Amended by
WSR
18-22-116, Filed 11/6/2018, effective
12/7/2018
Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050,
49.17.060. 05-17-168,
§ 296-855-100, filed 8/23/05, effective
1/1/06.
