While it is true that the odor threshold for MeOH makes for poor warning
properties, the warning properties trigger was removed a couple of years
ago.  OSHA now requires a change-out protocol based on airborne
concentration, effectiveness of adsorbsion, length of use, etc., or an
end-of-life indicator.  Replying on warning properties for cartridge
respirators is no longer acceptable under the regulations.

Peter Zavon, CIH
Penfield, NY

PZAVON**At_Symbol_Here**Rochester.rr.com 


> -----Original Message-----
> From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] 
> On Behalf Of Hofbauer, Ken **At_Symbol_Here** CSE
> Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 4:33 PM
> To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
> Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] MeOH and organic vapor cartridges
> 
> This is an odor threshold issue.  MeOH has very poor odor 
> detection hence you can't detect cartridge breakthrough.
> 
> Kenneth Hofbauer, Ph.D.
> Director, ES&H
>  
> L-3 Communications Corp.
> 1 Federal Street
> Camden, NJ  08103
>  
> (856) 338-4745
> (856) 338-2990    [fax]
>  
> 
> "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are 
> useless, but planning is indispensable."
> 
> Dwight D. Eisenhower
> 
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] 
> On Behalf Of Hadden, Susan [PRDUS]
> Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 8:04 AM
> To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
> Subject: [DCHAS-L] MeOH and organic vapor cartridges
> 
> I recently learned that organic vapor respirator cartridges 
> do not adequately filter out methanol. Can someone explain 
> why? Are there other common solvents that these cartridges 
> are inadequate for?
> 
> Thanks, 
> 
> Susan Hadden
> Senior Occupational Safety Specialist
> J&J PRD Environmental, Health & Safety
> 1000 Rt 202, PO Box 300
> Raritan, NJ 08869
> 908-704-4295 (ph), 908-707-9211 (fax)
> 

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post