PROSTHETIC LAB HAZARDS AND PPE

Evolution IndustriesJan 2011

Prosthetic Lab Hazard Overview

It is important to identify hazards that are specific to prosthetic labs.

For each hazard identified, the Personal Protective Equipment required is discussed.

The following hazards are covered in this module: Common Chemicals, Dust, Heat, and Noise.

Personal Protective Equipment Rules

In this module, PPE for each hazard is identified. It should be understood that:

Appropriate PPE should be worn at all times when at your work station

PPE should be properly fitted and in good condition.

PPE should be regularly cleaned and should not impede vision or breathing.

PPE alone will not prevent injury. Good judgment, good housekeeping, and good hygiene must be maintained at all times.

ChemicalsStyrene

An ingredient in many laminating resins

Breathing high levels can cause tiredness, muscle weakness, depression, and

nausea. It can also cause eye, throat, and nose irritation.

Styrene is considered a carcinogen

ChemicalsAcetone

Used as a solvent in prosthetic labs

Moderate to high levels can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation. It can also cause

lightheadedness, confusion, nausea, and confusion.

In pregnant women, organic solvents have been related to fetal malformation and increased

rate of miscarriage.

ChemicalsToluene

An ingredient in contact cement and glues

Low to moderate levels from long-term exposure can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, memory loss, nausea and loss of appetite.

Inhaling a high level of toluene in a short time can make you feel light headed, dizzy, or

sleepy.

ChemicalsToluene (cont.)

Toluene can cause neurologic problems and retarded development in babies if the mother inhales a high level of toluene

during pregnancy

ChemicalsIsopropyl Alcohol

A solvent used for cleaning adhesive and silicone

Can cause irritation after contact with eyes, skin, nose, and throat

Overexposure can cause drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and loss of coordination

ChemicalsMethy ethyl Ketones

An ingredient in contact cement and glues

Can cause irritation of nose, throat, and eyes.

Serious effects are seen at very high levels of exposure.

ChemicalsBisphenol A (BPA)

Ingredient in the epoxy resin in the 5 minute epoxy

Can cause eye, skin, respiratory tract irritation

Overexposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness

ChemicalsEpoxy Hardener (trade secret)

Hardener ingredient in 5 minute epoxy

Can cause severe irritation of eyes, mouth, nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required

Chemical Gloves Mask Glasses

Styrene Y N Y

Toluene Y N Y

Methyl ethyl Ketone Y* N Y

5 Min Epoxy Y* N Y

Acetone Y N Y

Alcohol Y N N

Based on MSDS sheet recommendations and air quality survey of Evolution Industries completed on Jan 15, 2011

Respiratory Protection

According to air quality testing conducted on January 15, 2011, a formal respiratory program is not required at Evolution Industries.

This means that we will provide you with an particulate mask if you request it, but it is not required in this workplace.

In fact, you may not wear a half facepiece or full facepiece when a voluntary program is in place since it may impede your breathing.

Particulate Masks/Protection

Because a respiratory program is not required at Evolution, use of a mask is voluntary when grinding or sanding:

3M 8511 Particulate Respirator N95 with Valve,

NIOSH approved.

N95 means it is not resistant to oil and filters 95% of airborne particles. These masks are disposable particulate respirators. After approximately 8 hours of use they can be discarded for reasons or hygiene or damage.

Glove ProtectionChemical Gloves Breakthrough TimeAcetone Nitrile 3 minutes

Bisphenol A Butyl n/aIsopropyl Alcohol Nitrile >6 hours

Methyl ethyl ketones Butyl n/aStyrene Nitrile 11 minutesToluene Nitrile 11 minutes

Eye ProtectionUse Name Model # Distribut

or Standard

Impact/splash

Clear Ice Wrap

arounds

S-13390C Uline ANSI Z87.1-1989

Laser etching

CO2 Laser glasses

100-50-101

Laser Safety

Industries

ANSI Z136.7

Other prosthetic hazards….

DustCarbon Fiber Dust

When cut or sanded, carbon fiber can cause skin and respiratory irritation and contact

dermatitis.

PPE RequiredAn N95 particulate mask may be worn to

protect against respiratory irritation. Gloves, long sleeves, and lab coats are helpful to protect exposed skin from dust.

Safety glasses are provided to protect the eyes, especially when cutting or grinding.

NoiseDecibel Level Time Example

90 dB 8 hours Shop tools92 dB 6 hours95 dB 4 hours97 dB 3 hours100 dB 2 hours Pneumatic drill102 dB 1.5 hour105 dB 1 hour110 dB 30 min115 dB 15 min Rock concert

OSHA permissible levels

PPE requiredAccording to the noise level testing

conducted on January 15, 2011 an auditory conservation program is not required at Evolution Industries.

This means that we will provide you with hearing protection if you request it, but it is not required in this workplace.

HeatOvens used to heat plastic for

thermoforming are set to 350 – 400 degrees

Heat from oven racks or metal frames can cause burns to hands and forearms.

PPE requiredThermal gloves are provided that cover the

hands and wrists

Kevlar sleeves are provided for use when gloves and the employees’ clothing together do not cover the arms.

References Prosthetic Lab Safety

http://www.aopsolutions.com/downloads/8-2.pdf OSHA Standard 1910.132

Personal Protective Equipment OSHA Standard 1910.134

Respiratory Program Appendix D to 1910.134

Voluntary Respiratory Guidelines OSHA Standard 1910.95

Hearing conservation Glove breakthrough times

http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/Lab/CHP/North.pdf NIOSH N95 mask

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/RespSource3.html#l