Hello Everyone,

Need an expert opinion here. One of my faculty was told by someone that she needs to use a full facepiece respirator to work with lead acetate. I definitely understand the risks associated with lead, especially as a powder. However, I am very confident in our hood function and her using the hood properly. If she is doing her weighing in the hood, would lead acetate still warrant the use of a respirator? Or, would I have to prove that we are keeping the exposure limits to zero to have her not use one?

Sigma's SDS Info on the compound:

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, a half-face high efficiency dust/mist respirator may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A full-face piece high efficiency dust/mist respirator 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.

Thank you for all of your wisdom.

Monique

_________________________________________________________

Monique Wilhelm, M.S., NRCC Certified CHO

ACS D-CHAS Secretary-Elect|2017 CERM E. Ann Nalley Award Recipient

Laboratory Manager|Adjunct Lecturer|Chemistry Club Advisor

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry|University of Michigan-Flint

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