BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS (BBP) SAFETY AT ALL LEVELS

Individuals who are infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may not show symptoms and may not know they are infectious. For this reason, all human blood and body fluids should be considered as if infectious, and all
precautions should be taken to avoid contact. This simple rule is known as “universal precautions.”

In the workplace, blood-borne pathogens (BBP) may be transmitted when blood or other infectious body fluids come in contact with mucous membranes (your eyes, nose, mouth); non-intact skin (due to cuts, abrasions, burns, rashes, paper cuts); or by handling or touching contaminated materials or surfaces. Blood-borne pathogens are also transmitted by “injection” under the skin via a contaminated sharp object puncturing or cutting the skin causing a wound.

Hepatitis B Virus versus Human Immunodeficiency Virus:

· Hepatitis B Virus is more persistent than HIV and is able to survive for at least one week in
dried blood on environmental surfaces. However, HIV will not survive for more than a few
minutes when exposed to room temperature air, and will usually die within seconds.

· A teaspoon of infected blood may contain over one billion HBV particles, while a teaspoon of
infected HIV blood contains about 15 HIV particles.

· Hepatitis B Virus usually has mild symptoms, which makes diagnosis difficult. HIV infections
usually are not diagnosed for years and symptoms may not appear for many months or years.

· Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. At the present time there is no preventive vaccine
for HIV.

· No cure is presently available for HBV or HIV.

If you administer first aid to an injured person in the workplace and there is a potential for contacting any body fluids, you should adhere to the following “universal precaution” guidelines:

· Wear impervious gloves when there is a chance of exposure to blood or body fluids.

· Wear a face shield to protect your entire face, and safety goggles to provide the most complete
eye protection.

· Use resuscitation devices when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

· Report all BBP exposures, or potential exposures to your supervisor immediately.

· Immediately wash your hands and affected areas with soap and warm water.

· Flush your eyes, nose or other mucous membrane areas with water, if exposed.

· Wash down areas that body fluids may have been contacted with the use of a mild solution of
household water and bleach (10:1).

The best protection against blood-borne pathogens is universal precautions!

WHEN YOU SIT MOST OF THE DAY...

Time after time, we plop down into our chairs at work (or at home) and don’t give a thought to how we are sitting. When sitting for long periods of time, we forget the stresses being put upon on our arms, shoulders, necks, backs, hips, legs and feet. By sitting improperly at work, we exert great amounts of pressure on our lower back (the lumbar region) and the joints or disks of our spine, as well as our arms and legs. Proper support and posture can eliminate most of this pressure. In many cases, postural problems can be solved with adjustments to the chair. If not,
modifications can be made to other areas of the work station to accommodate almost any body size.

For example:

· You are short and your legs don’t reach the floor. This puts pressure on the back of your thighs and cuts off blood circulation. Adjust the chair seat to a lower height or place a foot rest under your feet to raise the backs of your thighs off the chair. (If you lower your chair, you may also need to lower your monitor and keyboard.)

· You lean back in your chair and it turns into a recliner. Adjust the tension on the chair tilt to
accommodate your body weight, and to support your body when you lean back in the chair. The pan or seat of the chair and the chair back should move together. That way, even when leaning back, support is maintained on the lumbar region.

· Your shoulders and neck hurt when you type or write for long periods. Check to see if the arms of the chair are causing you to “HUNCH” your shoulders up as you write or type. This “hunching” may be causing static muscle tension and can sometimes be relieved by lowering the arm rests. Also, check to see if your chair is too high or too low, which causes you to shift your head up and down to see the monitor. Raising or lowering your chair may fix the problem, or propping the monitor to a different level may do the trick. Placing your copy text at a more comfortable height, adjacent to the monitor, may also help relieve stress.

· Sitting at your desk writing, typing, and other tasks can make your eyes hurt. Where we sit is
just as important as how we sit. Excessive glare coming from a window or materials we are reading, or from a monitor we are using, can lead to eye strain. Draw the shades, dim bright lights and use task lighting. Get a glare screen for the monitor if needed or reposition your desk.

· Remember, when you sit for long periods of time, body parts can go numb. Don’t sit in the same position too long! The best fix for chair fatigue is to periodically get up and move around. Stretch or do some other tasks like going to the copy machine or filing paper work. This change of activity is good for you and will eliminate most of the stress that comes from doing the same task for a long a period of time.

Generally speaking, the equipment used in an office environment is not the direct cause of many of our aches and pains. Instead it’s the lack of understanding of how our body reacts when we hold one position too long. If you need help adjusting your office equipment, consult your supervisor. Mother used to say, “Sit up straight and you will feel much better!" But since your mother doesn’t work here, you’ll have to take care of yourself!

TETANUS IS NOTHING TO FOOL WITH!

Minor cuts and skin abrasions occur during the jobs many of us do every day. Few people take them very seriously. But everyone should know that even small cuts or scratches, under the right conditions, can result in tetanus—a serious and sometimes fatal disease of the central nervous system.

What causes Tetanus? It is caused by bacteria known as clostridium tetani that thrive in dust and dirt, especially if contaminated with sewage. When small cuts are contaminated with dirt, tetanus germs may enter your body and multiply rapidly. Then, ten days to several weeks after the initial incident, symptoms such as fever, heavy sweating, and lockjaw begin. “Lockjaw” is a painful muscle spasm in the jaw muscles that make it difficult to open your mouth. These muscle
spasms then spread throughout the body, often interfering with breathing. You could die from this condition unless a physician performs a tracheotomy by cutting an opening in your windpipe that enables you to breathe. This is a serious situation! The fatality rate varies from 30-90% depending on how soon treatment begins.

How can you prevent it? To keep this serious condition from happening, never ignore minor cuts and abrasions. Clean the wound with an antiseptic and cover it with a sterile bandage or Band-Aid to keep dirt out of the cut. When should you see a doctor—even for minor cuts?

* If you haven’t had a tetanus shot within the last five years.
* If the cut is very dirty, or if there is any possibility of exposure to sewage (animal or
human) in any form.
* If signs of infection such as swelling or redness develop—especially if you’ve had a puncture wound.
* If any of the symptoms of tetanus develop such as stiffness of abdominal and back muscles, contraction of facial muscles, fever, sweating, or lockjaw.

Early treatment is critical! Tetanus can be successfully treated with an antitoxin in most cases—if treatment is started early. Take care of those small cuts and scratches as soon as they happen.

Never underestimate the danger of tetanus. It can kill!

COMMON SENSE / ACCIDENT PREVENTION

Generally speaking, we are not born with common sense, we acquire it throughout life. Actually, common sense is really common experience--we learn about life from others' experiences as well as our own. Awareness of your environment, self-preservation and concern for your fellow workers are all factors in good common sense. Contrary to popular opinion, all workers can prevent themselves from getting hurt. The easy way to avoid pain is to observe how others have taken risks and been injured, rather than learning the hard way--from your own injury. That's common sense!

The experts say at least 80% of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe acts on the part of employees--and not by unsafe conditions. Although employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace, it is up to you to be aware of your work environment and follow safe work practices. By avoiding unsafe acts and practicing common sense, your work will go smoother, with less chance for accidents.

Statistically, most accidents are caused by unsafe acts, including:

Being In A Hurry - Sometimes there is more concern for completing a job quickly instead of safely. Take time to do a good job and a safe job.

Taking Chances - Daring behavior or blatant disregard for safe work practices can put the whole work team at risk. Follow all company safety rules and watch out for your fellow employees. Horseplay is never appropriate on the job and can lead to disciplinary action.

Being Preoccupied - Daydreaming, drifting off at work, thinking about the weekend and not paying attention to your work can get you seriously hurt or even killed. Focus on the work you are paid to do. If your mind is troubled or distracted, you're at risk for an accident.

Having A Negative Attitude - Being angry or in a bad mood can lead to severe accidents because anger nearly always rules over caution. Flying off the handle at work is potentially dangerous. Keep your bad moods in check, or more than one person may be hurt. Remember to stay cool and in charge of your emotions.

Failing To Look For Hidden Hazards - At many jobsites, work conditions are constantly changing. Sometimes new, unexpected hazards develop. Always be alert for changes in the environment. Hidden hazards include spilled liquids that could cause slips and falls; out-of-place objects that can be tripped over; unmarked floor openings one could step into; low overhead pipes that could mean a head injury; and other workers who don't see you enter their hazardous work area.

Remember to stay alert for hazards, so you won't become one more accident statistic: You can do a quality job without rushing. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your mind on your work. This is just common sense--something smart workers use!

SULFURIC ACID, BE CAUTIOUS

Sulfuric acid is widely used in industry for a variety of purposes such as metal cleaning and etching, production of fertilizers, petroleum produces, dyes and explosives. Like all acids it is reactive. Simply put, this means that when the liquid comes into contact with another material, something is going to happen. This is where the danger lies. If sulfuric acid comes in contact with any part of your body, a rapid destruction of tissue takes place, capable of causing severe burns. When a burn occurs, it also gives rise to the possibility of secondary problems such as infection. Burns are never to be considered trivial.

The strength or concentration of acids can vary. If transported in bulk quantities, the acid is usually "full strength." If used as a cleaning agent, it may be highly diluted. In both cases, the material is dangerous. In its concentrated form, sulfuric acid destroys not only the outer skin, it can also penetrate into the flesh under your skin, destroying it. This causes great pain and, if the damage is great enough, may result in shock, collapse or other problems which typically accompany thermal burns. Even dilute concentrations in contact with skin can cause dermatitis, or skin irritation. Prolonged breathing of the vapors or mists can cause respiratory disorders.

Protection: Here is something to think about. Sulfuric acid can burn through your skin into your flesh. It can cause your clothes to disintegrate. It can erode concrete and etch metal. Imagine what a drop or two would do to your sensitive and unprotected eyes. When working with or around Sulfuric acid, eye and face protection is a must. Safety glasses alone are not adequate. Wear chemical-type goggles (these have indirect vents), and a face shield. Protective clothing should include, at a minimum, an acid-resistant long apron and gloves. When working with large quantities, you will need to wear an acid-resistant "rain-suit" and high-top boots, with the pant leg extending over the top of the boot.

First Aid - Rapid treatment is very important. You must wash the acid off the body quickly. Get the victim to the emergency shower or to a hose as quickly as possible. Start washing and as you do so, remove all acid-wet clothing. Keep the water flowing. In cases where there are severe burns, shock may set in. If this occurs, treat for shock by placing victims on their back and keeping them warm. Call immediately for medical help. Do not apply any ointments, oils or other treatments to the burned area.

If acid is swallowed, it burns tissues all the way down to the stomach. Do not induce vomiting, which will cause additional burns as it comes up as well. Never give anything to an unconscious person but, if the victim is conscious, the acid should be immediately diluted. Provide milk, preferably mixed with egg whites. If this isn't available, give as much water to drink as possible.

AVOID COMMON OFFICE INJURIES

It is generally accepted that in heavy industry, you'll find dangerous work environments that expose employees to potential injury. But fewer companies recognize the potential risks found in everyday office environments. Office work, too, can lead to injuries if appropriate safe work practices are not followed. Learn to avoid these common hazards:

1. Musculoskeletal strains and sprains associated with material handling: If you must walk and carry an object, make sure the object is carried in a way that avoids blocking your vision. Never lift objects that are too heavy to handle comfortably. Get help, or use a hand truck when moving heavy or large objects. Lift objects from the floor correctly by using proper lifting mechanics--hold the load close to your body. Use a stool or step ladder when placing or removing items from high shelves.

2. Stress and strain associated with sitting and VDT use: Arrange your desk or work station so that your arms, wrists, legs, back and neck can be maintained in a comfortable "neutral" position, with proper back support. (Eagle can provide ergonomic checklists for evaluating your work area.) Those who spend long hours at a computer should consider mastering keyboard moves, instead of relying principally on the mouse. This helps reduce strain on your elbow and shoulder. And don't forget to take rest breaks!
3. Injuries that result from slips, trips, and falls: Never run in the office. If liquids are spilled on tile or linoleum floors, clean them up immediately. If a rolling chair pad is cracked or if any part of the pad edge is curled upward, replace it and eliminate the tripping hazard. Do not lay electrical cords or phone cords where they could create a tripping hazard. Keep aisles clear of stored items.

4. Hand injuries from cuts, scrapes, smashes, and punctures: Use a letter opener when opening envelopes and boxes, and a staple puller when removing staples from documents. Wear a rubber finger "cot" when fingering through a significant amount of envelopes or pieces of paper. Store sharp objects neatly in desk drawers or inside closed containers. Always close desk and file cabinet drawers with your hand firmly gripped on the drawer handle--and leave repair of office equipment to the maintenance people.

Although offices are not considered to be "high hazard" work environments, injuries happen when risks are not controlled or when people get careless. Practice safe work habits at all times. Know where the office first aid kit is kept, and who has been trained to administer first aid. Lastly, make sure you understand the emergency procedures for dealing with fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and power failures.

AFTERTHOUGHTS AND REGRETS

How often have you said or done something and then later, reflecting on your action, thought to yourself, "How could I have done that?"

Here are some afterthoughts which, unfortunately, too many of us have experienced:

· "That's how we've always done it before." (…before the accident occurred anyway.)

· "I never thought that a little bolt dropped from that distance would cause so much bleeding." ( I should have worn a hard hat, I guess.)

· "If I had taken that first-aid/CPR course, I probably could have helped him." (…and chances are, he would still be here.)

· "I should have taken care of that board with the projecting rusty nails earlier." (Now, I have to take off work to get a tetanus shot.)

· "Wow, I never realized that a fire could get out of control so fast." ( If I'd called the fire department before trying to put it out myself, I might still have a place to work tomorrow.)

· " I know they were always preaching that we should lift with the leg muscles instead of the back muscles." (What the heck is a herniated disk?)

· "For few more dollars, I could have bought safety shoes." (That deep cut in the toe section ruined my new work boots, and this broken toe still hurts.)

· "My safety glasses were in the tool box, but I was just going to grind off this one little piece…." ( I wonder if they'll still let me drive with only one eye?)

· "We were only going to use the scaffold for one day. I never thought a hammer would fall off the plank and strike someone." (I had a hunch I should have taken the time to install the toe boards.)

· "They always insisted that the tool rest should be no more than one-eighth inch from the grinding wheel. What difference does another quarter inch make?" (I was lucky not to go blind when the chisel got wedged and the wheel exploded into a thousand pieces.)

Any of this sound familiar?? They say hindsight is the only perfect science-but foresight could have avoided these incidents, misfortunes and regrets.

Learn from others' mistakes and you'll have no regrets!

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT...LESSONS LEARNED!

The prospect of getting into an accident is something no one likes to think about. Time and again we hear our managers, supervisors or co-workers telling us to be careful, work safely and use personal protective equipment. Yet, do we really listen? We hear the words, but do we really believe we'll be the one who will have an accident?

There are those who take the safety message at work seriously, and those who do not. Safe work procedures have a purpose. Experience tells us that if we do things right, we'll complete our work correctly and safely. When personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, this is also for good reason. PPE prevents or minimizes injury or illness to the user.

Sometimes accidents happen when you least expect them. The following true stories prove this, along with a reminder that sometimes they do happen to us….

Lesson #1: Two mechanics were working on a step van and repairing the rear roll-up door. In order to fix the door, they had to alternately "tension" the large spring that assists the door's upward movement. As they took turns tightening the spring by inserting 3/8 inch metal rods into the spring catches, the front mechanic's rod slipped out from the catch. The rebound motion and force made the rod, still in his hand, fly back and strike the other mechanic in the eye.

Obviously, the mechanic who was struck in the eye needed immediate emergency medical attention.

Lesson? Lack of eye protection + inadequate work procedures = serious injury.

Lesson #2: A construction superintendent was observing project operations when a piece of heavy equipment ran over a piece of concrete with its' rear tire. The object became a flying projectile when it "shot out" from under the tire, missed a small stock pile, sailed past a back-hoe and struck the superintendent in the head. Fortunately, the superintendent was wearing his hard hat, or the blow might easily have been fatal.

Lesson? Use of PPE = protection from more serious injury or death.

Lesson #3: An employee was using a bench grinder to polish a piece of metal on the wire wheel. When he turned to talk to another employee, and took his eyes off his work, the piece of metal he was holding became caught between the wheel and the tool rest. His finger was pulled into the wire wheel which instantly shaved off part of his finger.

Lesson? Lack of concentration + improperly adjusted tool rest = painful injury.

Work should not have to be a death or injury experience. Unfortunately, lack of caution and attention can make it one. The next time you hear someone say, "be careful," take a minute to really listen to the message and ask yourself, "Why should I be careful?" The answer is, "because accidents happen when you least expect them-and sometimes they happen to you."

Think about yourself, family, friends and co-workers-don't learn a lesson the hard way!

GOOD HYGIENE CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY

Most of us learned the basics of good personal hygiene from our mothers when we were children. She started us on good hygiene with the simple rule of washing our hands before we ate. As we have grown older, some of us may have drifted away from our mother's wise advise.
In today's chemical laden workplaces, being even more conscientious about hygiene is the smart thing to do. Even though washing our hands is a simple and logical task, it's still commonly overlooked.

What is on your hands gets ingested. How many times have you seen fellow workers smoke a cigarette while their hands were covered with paint or grease? How about the workers who eat their lunch without washing their hands? Not one of us would intentionally eat paint, or dip our cigarette into the paint bucket. Even so, that is basically what is happening when you eat your sandwich or smoke a cigarette without washing your hands. In addition to tobacco, smokers may be inhaling toxic substances that have been placed on the cigarette from their hands. Remember, when paints, solvents or most any chemical is heated or burned, its chemical makeup is changed.

Cleaning your skin with solvents is never a good practice. Mechanics who use a solvent to clean their hands are setting themselves up for a case of dermatitis or possibly becoming sensitized to the chemical or solvent. Before using the solvent to clean with, think "what is the purpose of a solvent?" A solvent's purpose is to cut grease. When it is used without protection such as gloves or barrier creams, it is degreasing the protective oils from your skin.

Clean clothing is a part of good hygiene. Maintaining good personal hygiene includes the clothes worn to work. A worker wearing oily, greasy clothing, or clothes that have toxic chemicals spilled on them, is likely to experience irritating rashes, boils or other skin problems. Work clothing should be changed daily. A daily shower and clean clothing reduces the chances of skin problems. Remember, dirty clothes and skin carry chemicals to your home and family.

First-aid begins with cleanliness. When we get a sliver, a nick, or a cut we typically go to the first-aid kit. We grab an adhesive bandage, quickly put it on, and go back to work. Several days later we wonder why the small injury is inflamed and infected. Don't ignore small injuries like these. The wounded area should be washed with soap and water before the bandage goes on. Possibly an antiseptic should be placed on the wound as well. This simple trick you first learned from your mom helps to keep the wound from becoming contaminated. To also help prevent a small injury from getting to be a serious health hazard, keep your tetanus booster current. A small needle stick every 10 years is a small price to pay, in the prevention of infection.

Good personal hygiene all boils down to common sense. A daily shower, followed by clean clothing, and frequent washing of hands…particularly before eating or smoking, goes a long way in keeping you healthy and safe.

E. COLI: FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

In the last few years a bacteria named E. coli has become a household name. What is E. coli? What dangers does it present, and what are the precautions one should take to prevent being infected? Given recent, serious outbreaks of illness, these are important questions.

Escherichia coli, more commonly called E. coli for obvious reasons, comes in many strains. E. coli normally lives in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals without causing disease or illness. However, the strain called E. coli 0157:H7 is different. This strain, first linked to human illness in 1982, produces a dangerous toxin which is very harmful to humans.

Anyone can contract E. coli, but elderly people and those under five years of age appear more likely to develop serious infections. Infection can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. The majority of people contracting HUS recover completely, however it can be fatal.

The most common source of E. coli infection is red meat, especially ground beef which is rare or undercooked. However, E. coli 0157:H7 has been found in other food items such as mayonnaise, unpasteurized milk, some unpasteurized juices, and contaminated water. Person-to-person transmission of this bacteria is also on the rise. This manner of transmission is typically from an infected child or adult who does not wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom.

What are the Symptoms. Symptoms of an E. coli infection appear about 3 days after exposure, although it can range between 1 to 9 days. The symptoms of E. coli can be bloody or non-bloody diarrhea or abdominal cramps. Some amount of blood is usually found in the stool as well. This infection usually causes little or no fever. Most infected people will recover without medication in 5 to 10 days. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is important when diarrhea is present or there are signs of dehydration. The use of antibiotics in fighting the disease are unproven to date. Anti-diarrheal medication should be avoided.

There are several simple and straight forward ways to prevent being infected by E. coli 0157:H7:

Do not eat undercooked ground beef. Cook it to at least 1600 F or until all pink is gone from the interior and from any juices. Other meats have not yet been linked to E. coli outbreaks.

Drink only pasteurized milk and milk products.

Wash hands with hot, soapy water after using the restroom and before preparing food.

Wash hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water after contact with raw meats and /or meat juice.

Wash all fruits before eating. Low-acid, unpasteurized fruit juice is also considered a risk.

When eating out, check hamburgers and ground beef for doneness. Return any food to the kitchen which is not thoroughly cooked.

BACK CARE: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

"OUCH! Why did I try to lift that much weight on my own?" Did you ever ponder those words after you hoisted something heavy, or lifted from an awkward position? These incidents are well known causes of back strain, but you might not have considered other "underlying" factors that lead to back injury. Several conditions influence your "back health."

The cause of most back problems is poor posture, loss of flexibility, stressful living/working habits and above all, a general decline in physical fitness. Surprised? You shouldn't be. When you "let yourself go," (and most of us do with age) the first thing to go can be back strength. Along with correct lifting techniques, we should also work on our overall physical condition.

Nutrition--is an important key to staying physically fit! As we grow older, our metabolism slows down. To counteract this natural event, we have to eat the right types of food-and not too much of it-or the pounds come on quickly! Now, what does nutrition have to do with a healthy back? For one thing, a healthy back is correctly balanced on your spine. With a "sway" back, that balance is lost-and those darned potbellies cause sway backs. Carrying around excess weight puts tremendous strain on back tissues, so lifting even a small extra load may cause an injury.

Exercise--plays an important role as well. A form of exercise as simple as walking 30 minutes a day can raise your heart rate and burn enough calories to help keep you lean. Flexibility is another condition that changes as we grow older, if we don't work to retain it. It's true, as they say-"Use it or Lose it!" Without flexibility, we lose our body's full range of motion. Then, when a sudden, physical demand takes a muscle or joint further than it's used to, the risk of injury is high. You can do stretching exercises every morning to keep yourself flexible and ready for the physical demands of work. After all, don't athletes warm up before a game to prevent injury?

Fixed positions--not moving enough--can also cause back problems. Staying in a fixed position for too long can lead to muscle spasms. We feel it as stiffness, but by the time discomfort from "static" muscle contractions is experienced, low level tissue damage has begun. Take stretch breaks between long standing or sitting periods to improve circulation and prevent back strain.
Poor body mechanics and bad lifting habits usually "trigger" a back injury-and are more likely to do so if overall physical condition is poor. Remember these techniques to help escape injury:

Avoid using fast, jerking motions when lifting.
Avoid bending and twisting at the same time.
Avoid handling a load too far away! Keep the load close to your body.
Teamwork! If the load is too heavy, two persons should carry the load.

Emotional Stress leads to mental distraction, so that things other than proper body mechanics are on your mind. Stress and back pain seem to go together. Low back pain has been called "a tension headache that slipped." Solving our personal problems isn't always easy to do, but it often takes away back pain and helps prevent repeated injuries.

In Conclusion: Improper lifting isn't the only thing that causes back injuries. People who do not also stay in good physical and mental condition are at high risk for back problems.

It's Up To You--Take Good Care Of Your Body and Save Your Back!

ACETONE USAGE & CARE

Acetone, also called dimethyl ketone, is one of the ketone group of solvents that also includes methyl ethyl ketone. Mechanics, painters, and fiberglass workers are frequent users of acetone for various purposes in the shop, and many people are familiar with its pleasant sweet-smelling odor. Acetone is an excellent solvent for oils and greases. It is often used in the electronics industry for degreasing and cleaning of precision electronic parts. It is also used in the formulation of lacquers, rubber cements, cleaning fluids, and paint removers, as well as the manufacture of methacrylic and epoxy resins. Acetone can also absorb 22 times its volume of acetylene gas, which permits safe and economical shipment of acetylene in cylinders.

Acetone is one of the least toxic of the many organic solvents used in the work place. Its toxicity is low for both acute and chronic exposures. However, prolonged inhalation of high concentrations of acetone vapor causes irritation of the respiratory tract, headache, loss of memory, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness. Other symptoms of acetone intoxication include dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness. Continued skin contact may produce a mild form of dermatitis.

Control Vapor Concentrations: Acetone vapor in work areas should be maintained at or below the Threshold Limit Value of 750 PPM (averaged during an 8-hour workday), with a maximum Short Term Exposure Limit (defined as 15 minutes) no higher than 1000 PPM. For most operations, vapor can be kept at safe levels by enclosing the operation, by ventilating, or both. Opening windows or doors is often adequate for most small uses. Local exhaust may be needed with larger operations in order to capture the vapors at the source and keep them out of the breathing zone.

Wear PPE: Employees engaged in routine handling of acetone should wear milled butyl rubber gloves and rubber aprons for protection against skin contact. Chemical goggles should be worn where necessary. When complete face protection is necessary, a face shield should be worn.

Fire Prevention: Acetone is a serious fire hazard and can ignite with only a 2.6% concentration in the air. Water solutions of acetone are also highly flammable; a solution of 10 percent acetone in water has a flash point of about 80 F (27C). All sources of ignition, including spark-producing mechanisms or operations should be eliminated in areas where acetone is stored, handled, or used. Vapor proof electrical systems should also be installed (Class 1 - Division 1). Fire extinguishers for acetone fires include foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical. Water used on an acetone fire should be in the form of a spray or fog in order to prevent spreading the fire.

First Aid: If a person has inhaled small amounts of acetone vapor and exhibits any of the symptoms of acetone intoxication, they should be moved to fresh air and the effects will often disappear in a few hours. If large amounts have been inhaled, the person should be moved to fresh air and medical assistance immediately summoned. If breathing has stopped or respiration is weak; artificial respiration should be given. If splashed in the eyes, the eyes should be irrigated immediately with large quantities of running water for at least 15 minutes. An evaluation by a physician as soon as possible is recommended. Skin contaminated with acetone should be washed with soap and water, and any contaminated clothing removed.

A SINGLE SECOND

It takes a minute to write a safety rule.
It takes an hour to hold a safety meeting.
It takes a week to plan a good safety program.
It takes a month to put that program into operation.
It takes a year to win a safety award.
It takes a lifetime to make a safe worker.
But it takes only a second to destroy it all - with one accident.
Take the time now to work safe and help your fellow employees to be safe.