Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-404-1579, Florida State Archives, Tallahassee, Florida

摘要

Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for ethylene-oxide (75218) at the Florida State Archives (SIC-8411), Tallahassee, Florida in November, 1984. The evaluation was requested to determine if an ethylene-oxide fumigator could be operated safely in view of the change in the OSHA standard from 50 to 1 part per million (ppm). Ventilation measurements were made. The ventilation system dedicated to the fumigation operation worked well. The fumigation area was under sufficient negative pressure to prevent contamination of other parts of the building. The authors conclude that a health hazard exists if the fumigation system is operated without additional controls. Recommendations include adding local exhaust ventilation and using respiratory protection devices.