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Evaluation of exposure to epoxy resin while manufacturing artificial floral arrangements.

Aristeguieta C; Rodriguez M

Int J Occup Environ Health 2010 Oct-Dec; 16(4):540

https://doi.org/10.1179/107735210799159969

20038226

The HHE Program responded to a request from a management representative at a facility that manufactures luxury artificial floral arrangements. The request concerned employees' potential exposure to epoxy resins. The HHE Program investigators observed employees' work practices and use of personal protective equipment. Air samples for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and amines were collected during the evaluation. Investigators found that employees were exposed to epoxy resin and isopropyl alcohol through skin contact. Data collected during the valuation showed that airborne exposures to selected VOCs, including some amines, were very low. Investigators found that the mixer/pourer wore a respirator, per the company's written procedures, although air sampling result.. indicated that respiratory protection was not needed. The Program investigators also noted that employees were not wearing 540 eye protection when pouring epoxy resin into vases. Investigators recommended that managers install a dispensing gun that could be used to add epoxy resin to vases and require employees to use eye protection when mixing epoxy resin. It was also recommended that management provide the mixer/pourer with safety glasses, a butyl rubber apron, and butyl rubber gloves (either shoulder or gauntlet length) to wear when handling epoxy resin and isopropyl alcohol. Program investigators recommended that an emergency eye wash station and sink with arm water be installed in the production area for use if employees come into contact with epoxy resin. Investigators also recommended that employees wear appropriate skin and eye protection when mixing and pouring epoxy resin or handling isopropyl alcohol. Employees were encouraged to talk with their supervisor about any workplace health concerns they may have. The final report is available at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0355-3102.pdf"target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0355-3102.pdf</a>.

Epoxy-resins; Work-practices; Personal-protective-equipment; Personal-protection; Organic-compounds; Organic-solvents; Solvents; Solvent-vapors; Gloves; Protective-clothing; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders

IOEHFU

108-88-3; 111-76-2; 111-15-9; 1330-20-7; 100-41-4; 2426-08-6

20101001

Abstract

2011

4

1077-3525

DSHEFS

Services

NAICS-339999

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health

VA; OH