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Preliminary srvey report: control technology for ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals at Community MedCenter Hospital, Marion, Ohio.

Kercher SL

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ECTB 146-12a, 1984 Dec; :1-12

00236848

An on site study was made at the Community MedCenter Hospital (SIC- 8062) in Marion, Ohio, as part of an effort to evaluate and document effective engineering controls for ethylene-oxide (75218) (EtO) which some hospitals have implemented. The Supply, Processing, and Distribution (SPD) unit employed six persons and was responsible for EtO sterilization for surgery, obstetrics, anesthesiology, the catheterization laboratory, X-ray, and emergency. The study results indicated that the SPD was working to provide good controls for minimizing employee exposure to EtO. These controls included isolation of the sterilizer and general dilution ventilation. Workers were provided a level of protection against exposure to EtO which was, at the moment, acceptable. Work practices for employees were outlined in a procedure and policy manual. However, there was a possible need to improve communication of work practices, particularly for part time workers or substitute employees. The authors recommend that environmental monitoring should be continued and personal sampling done on an individual basis. Local exhaust ventilation above the sterilizer door and at the evacuation drain should be added.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-5; Control-technology; Health-care-personnel; Laboratory-workers; Hospital-equipment

75-21-8

19841201

Field Studies; Control Technology

1985

PB85-221331

A03

ECTB-146-12a

DPSE

8062

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH