Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of negative human reproductive effects from inhalation of 2-ethoxyethyl acetate: (a)Building 2, Print areas: On or about June 29, 1999, and at times prior thereto, employees engaged in printing operations were exposed to 2-ethoxyethyl acetate at 8-hour time weighted averages (TWA) of 8.3 ppm and 5.6 ppm when sampled for 412 and 450 minutes respectively (time up to 480 minutes was included in the calculations as zero exposure). These exposures exceeded the maximum levels recommended by ACGIH, NIOSH, and the chemical manufacturer, Union Carbide Corporation, which recommended 5.0 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 2.0 ppm respectively. The ACGIH and NIOSH levels were established to reduce negative reproductive effects such as testicular degeneration and teratogenic effects including skeletal, cardiac and visceral malformations. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard are to: (1) Use a solvent substitute with documented toxicological data (such as ACGIH and NIOSH) indicating the health hazards are significantly lessened by the substitution, and pose no greater safety hazards; and/or (2) Follow the recommendations of the material safety data sheet (MSDS) which states "Special, local ventilation is needed at points where vapors can be expected to escape to the workplace air." Note: Abatement certification and supporting documentation are required for this item.