GLUTARALDEHYDE ANALYSIS

PURPOSE

• To minimize employee exposure to glutaraldehyde 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 Federal Register, Section 1910.1000,1910.1550, and test the effectiveness of systems designed to reduce employee exposure to glutaraldehyde.  Trace gas contamination is usually the result of four main factors:

• Improper ventilation
• Work practice control
• Exhaust system malfunctions
• Engineering controls

 
PROTOCOL

The Lion Glutaraldemeter using state of the art fuel cell technology will be used to make on-site determinations for glutaraldehyde during the handling of cold sterilant solutions.  Real time readings will be taken at various source locations, at short intervals of time to provide an integrated personal exposure analysis.

HEALTH CHOICE will also determine air exchange rates in problem areas ( areas that have exceeded the glutaraldehyde PEL )  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.