ETHYLENE OXIDE GAS SURVEY

PURPOSE

• To minimize employee exposure to ethylene oxide gas by evaluating work procedures and engineering controls. 

• To format monitoring results to satisfy the requirements and recommendations set forth by OSHA, Department of Labor, NIOSH, JCAHO, and insurance companies that offer liability coverage.

• To utilize testing results as a basis for making appropriate recommendations aimed at reducing employee exposure.

This management program helps follow the guidelines of OSHA standard publication number, (29 CFR 1910.1047, 29 CFR 1910.134 [b], [d], [e] and [f]), and test the effectiveness of systems designed to reduce employee exposure to ethylene oxide.  Trace gas contamination is usually the result of five main factors:

• Improper ventilation
• Tank / Line / Chamber leakage
• Improper work practices
• Exhaust system malfunction
• Improper aeration

 
PROTOCOL

An infrared gas analyzer (Foxboro Miran Sapphire) will be used to make on-site determinations for ethylene oxide during the sterilization cycle.   Both short and long term personal exposure assessments will be used to meet current federal requirements.  

HEALTH CHOICE will also determine air exchange rates by measuring ventilation supply air flow in locations where the monitoring is performed.  A Shortridge flowhood will be used to obtain the air flow measurements.