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Previous by Date: Subject: Re: Lab Spill Team Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 12:58:27 -0800 Author: "LaCroix, Steve (DOH)" |
Next by Date: Subject: Re: Lab Spill Team Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 13:11:50 -0800 Author: william parks |
Hi Patricia, In addition to the other replies, one thing that is very important when exposed to methylene chloride, the vapor will penetrate most respirator cartridges very quickly as it is not adsorbed/absorbed well. A large spill of 4 L probably would require a SCBA respirator when cleaning. Also, most glove materials would be quickly penetrated. It would be wise to check the manufacturers for resistant gloves for this purpose and for associated PPE. The SCBA training must be by a SCBA trainer who has been certified for that type of respirator. It is not to be done by someone that has a general knowledge of most respirators but not specifically for SCBA. Mishandled SCBA use can possibly send a person to a hospital very quickly and a morgue at worst. Good luck on finding the proper PPE including respirators for that remote possibility of a spill. Ken Smith Retired CIH and former SCBA user -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Patricia Peifer Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 12:00 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [DCHAS-L] Lab Spill Team I work in a small lab (about 65 people) with minimal potential for large spills. The largest spill we have had since I have been here is 4 liters of methylene chloride. We could have a bigger spill but it is extremely unlikely. We have a spill team composed of 5 lab employees (including myself) who get asked to deal with the bigger spills, such as the 4 L of methylene chloride. The spill team has respirators and gets fit tested every year. We also have a spill training session each year, about 1 hour long. If we have a spill that we cannot handle, we have an ourside contractor we plan on calling. I have been told I should be having the entire spill team take the 24 hour HAZWOPER course with an annual refresher. That will be a hard sell for me to management unless it is absolutely required. I do feel that we should have more than the one hour we typically have, though. If the 24-hour HAZWOPER is not absolutely required, I would like to have someone come in and give us a half-day (at least) of spill training. So, two questions: Does anyone know if I have been told the correct information about the need for the 24 hour HAZWOPER? Does anyone know of a good person to contact in Eastern Pennsylvania about spill training? Thanks, Pat Pat Peifer Project Manager, Safety & Training
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