Appropriate Gear for use with inipol EAP 22 - Bioremediation chemicals of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill cleanup, 1989, 1990

Appropriate Gear for use with Inipol EAP 22

Source: under section 8 MSDS The recommendations are for lab work and the protective wear is assuming it prevents skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, etc. not allowing skin/eye contact as it is a controlled environment. This was not followed at the clean up site, contrary to the protocol cited. If engineering controls cannot be maintained and the risks are to be encountered are unknown, then a full self-contained oxygen unit was recommended.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits: -OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 50 ppm skin -ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 20 ppm (TWA)
	Ventilation System: A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.


Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved): If the exposure limit is exceeded and engineering controls are not feasible, a full facepiece respirator with organic vapor cartridge may be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-facepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres. This compound possibly exists in both particulate and vapor phase. A particulate (NlOSH type N95 or better) prefilter should be used for the particulate.
Skin Protection: Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection: Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

Other Summary relating to information found in the MSDSs of: The industrial solvents Simple Green, Corexit 9527 and Inipol EAP 22 all contain 2-butoxyethanol which is a potent lung irritant when inhaled at any level. According to the Material Safety Sheets, 2-butoxyethanol also is a skin and eye irritant and is poisonous when ingested or inhaled. When absorbed through the skin, it can cause blood in the urine ("hematuria"), hemoglobinuria, and kidney damage. Vapors or aerosols (such as were created by the high pressure, hot water wash) formed at higher temperatures can cause systemic effects. Chemical overexposure (poisoning) by breathing the compound or skin contact can lead to long-term damage to the blood and kidneys and central nervous system problems, including respiratory problems. Precautions include chemical resistant suits (not plastic rain gear), face shields, eye goggles, and supplied-air respirators in situations with high levels of this compound, and long continuous hours/days of exposure.

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