Posthearing Brief of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Proposed Rule on Occupational Exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol and Their Acetates (Glycol Ethers) (February 1, 1994). 29 CFR Part 1910; Docket No. H-044

摘要

The testimony presents a review of the findings of a study which predicted that organic vapor chemical cartridges can adsorb glycol ethers at the proposed maximum use concentrations. The report recommended that a cartridge change out schedule of one week be adopted for full face air purifying respirators and two weeks for half face air purifying respirators. However, the migration of glycol ethers through the cartridge sorbent bed over a weekend or overnight was not evaluated. Such a migration would result in the wearer being exposed to glycol ehters when the respirator was used again. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that if OSHA were to allow the use of air purifying respirators with organic vapor chemical cartridges to protect workers from glycol ether exposure, the cartridges should be changed after each shift, up to 12 hours. NIOSH recommends the use of air supplied respirators when respiratory protection is necessary.