![]() ![]() Compliance with these limits is determined through the evaluation of worst-case processes and activities.įull-shift Time-weighted Average (TWA) – Most solvents have an 8-hour exposure limit. Sampling for ceiling exposures involves targeting a duration sufficient to meet the minimum sample volume in the sampling method.ġ5-minute Short-term Exposure Level (STEL) – Many solvents have a short-term limit (typically 15-minutes) in addition to a full-shift limit. OSHA has published a list of such chemicals in Table Z-2. Insight will consider three primary limits when evaluating for organic solvents:Ĭeiling Concentration – Select solvents have ceiling concentrations. PIDs are complicated instruments! See the Insight IH Consulting article, “ Industrial Hygiene Misconceptions #3 – PIDs: Lamps and Response and Electron Volts…Oh My!” for more information. Additionally, photoionization detectors (PIDs) can provide real-time data regarding changing concentrations over finite periods of time (second-long intervals, if needed). Active sampling tubes and passive organic vapor monitors can provide information on full-shift and short-term worker exposures. Two cases of acute toluene intoxication Assessment MethodologyĪn array of options is available for the evaluation of workplace exposures to solvents. Lethal Exposure to Methylene Chloride during Bathtub Refinishing Additional informational links are provided below that provide detail about select organic solvents: This is because methylene chloride is an OSHA standard chemical, with numerous requirements of employers. In particular, stripper chemicals that contain methylene chloride should be avoided. Organic solvents are present in many commonly used chemicals, including those found at the local hardware store. Many different classes of chemicals can be used as organic solvents, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, amines, esters, ethers, ketones, and nitrated or chlorinated hydrocarbons. NIOSH recognizes many organic solvents are recognized as carcinogens (e.g., benzene, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene), reproductive hazards (e.g., 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-methoxyethanol, methyl chloride), and neurotoxins (e.g., n-hexane, tetrachloroethylene, toluene). ![]() Solvents also feature in the production of dyes, polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals. workers are exposed to organic solvents that are used in such products as paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, and degreasing/cleaning agents. ![]() Organic solvents are carbon-based solvents (i.e., they contain carbon in their molecular structure). Solvents are substances capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances. Insight also can utilize real-time monitoring on employees and in areas for a detailed view of indoor air concentrations. ![]() We have performed hundreds of personal breathing zone evaluations at client sites. Insight IH Consulting is very experienced in organic solvents assessment. Organic Solvents – Protecting Workers from Chemical Exposures ![]()
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