Disclaimer: These guidelines were developed under contract using
generally accepted secondary sources. The protocol used by the contractor for
surveying these data sources was developed by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). The information
contained in these guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. None of
the agencies have conducted a comprehensive check of the information and data
contained in these sources. It provides a summary of information about
chemicals that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. The secondary
sources used for supplements 111 and 1V were published before 1992 and 1993,
respectively, and for the remainder of the guidelines the secondary sources
used were published before September 1996. This information may be superseded
by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene. Therefore readers are
advised to determine whether new information is available.
INTRODUCTION
This guideline summarizes pertinent information about hydrogen peroxide for
workers and employers as well as for physicians, industrial hygienists, and
other occupational safety and health professionals who may need such
information to conduct effective occupational safety and health programs.
Recommendations may be superseded by new developments in these fields; readers
are therefore advised to regard these recommendations as general guidelines
and to determine whether new information is available.
SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION
* Formula
H(2)O(2)
* Structure
(For Structure, see paper copy)
* Synonyms
Hydrogen dioxide, perhydrol, albone, hydroperoxide, inhibine, perone,
superoxol, t-stuff, hydrogen peroxide 90%, hydrogen peroxide 30%
* Identifiers
1. CAS No.: 7722-84-1
2. RTECS No.: MX0899000 or (MX0900000)
3. DOT UN: 2015 47 (aqueous solutions, > 60% hydrogen peroxide); 2014 45
(aqueous solutions, greater than or equal to 20 percent and less than 60
percent; 2984 45 (aqueous solutions, greater than or equal to 8 percent and
less that 20 percent)
4. DOT label: Oxidizer, corrosive (2014 and 2015); oxidizer (2984)
* Appearance and odor
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a bitter taste.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
* Physical data
1. Molecular weight: 34.02
2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 152 degrees C (305.6 degrees F) (90%)
3. Specific gravity: 1.46 (90%) at 0 degrees C (32 degrees F)
4. Vapor density: Data not available.
5. Melting point: -0.43 degrees C (-45.4 degrees F) (90%)
6. Vapor pressure at 30 degrees C (86 degrees F): 5 mm Hg (90%)
7. Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, ether, and water; insoluble in petroleum
ether; decomposed by many organic solvents.
8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Exposure to radiant heat
(sunlight), sources of ignition, such as, heat or open flame; and physical or
mechanical disturbances can create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
2. Incompatibilities: Contact between hydrogen peroxide and combustible
materials such as, wood, paper, oil, etc., may cause immediate spontaneous
ignition or combustion. Mixed with organic materials such as alcohols,
acetone, and other ketones; aldehydes, and their anhydrides; and glycerol can
cause violent explosions. Spontaneous ignition may occur when hydrogen
peroxide is added to cotton (cellulose). Contact with metals including iron,
copper, chromium, lead, silver, manganese, sodium, potassium, magnesium,
nickel, gold, platinum; metal alloys such as, brass or bronze; metal oxides
such as lead oxides, mercury oxides, or manganese dioxide; and many metal
salts, like potassium permanganate or sodium iodate could result in violent
explosions. Tremendous explosions can also be caused by unstable mixtures with
concentrated mineral acids.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: None reported.
4. Special precautions: Containers of hydrogen peroxide should be kept
shock-free, covered and properly vented.
* Flammability
Hydrogen peroxide is not combustible, but it is a powerful oxidizer [NIOSH 1994].
The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability
rating of 0 (minimal fire hazard) to hydrogen peroxide.
1. Flash point: Data not available.
2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available.
3. Flammable limits in air: Data not available.
4. Extinguishant: For small fires use water only; no dry chemical or carbon
dioxide. Flood fire area with water from a distance to fight large fires
involving hydrogen peroxide.
Fires involving hydrogen peroxide should be fought upwind from the maximum
distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area
and deny entry. Isolate the area for 1/2 mile in all directions if a tank,
rail car, or tank truck is involved in the fire. For a massive fire in a
cargo area, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is
impossible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn. Emergency
personnel should stay out of low areas. Vapors are an explosion and poison
hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. This substance may ignite other
combustible materials such as wood, paper, oil, etc. Mixed with fuel they
may react violently or even explode. Explosions can also be caused by
friction, heat or contamination. Containers of hydrogen peroxide may
explode in the heat of the fire and should be moved from the fire area if
it is possible to do so safely. If this is not possible, cool fire exposed
containers from the sides with water until well after the fire is out.
Stay away from the ends of containers. Firefighters should wear a full set
of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when
fighting fires involving hydrogen peroxide.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
* OSHA PEL
The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hydrogen peroxide is 1 part per
million (ppm) parts of air (1.4 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m(3))) as
an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration [29 CFR 1910.1000,
Table Z-1].
* NIOSH REL
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has
established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for hydrogen peroxide of 1
ppm (1.4 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour
workweek [NIOSH 1992].
* ACGIH TLV
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has
assigned hydrogen peroxide a threshold limit value (TLV) of 1 ppm (1.4
mg/m(3)) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek [DOT
1993, Guides 45 and 47].
* Rationale for Limits
The NIOSH limit is based on the risk of eye, mucous membrane, and skin
irritation [NIOSH 1992].
The ACGIH limit is based on the risk of irritation [ACGIH 1991, p. 782].
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
* Routes of Exposure
Exposure to hydrogen peroxide can occur through inhalation of the vapor or
mist, ingestion, and eye or skin contact [Sittig 1991].
* Summary of toxicology
1. Effects on Animals: Hydrogen peroxide is an eye, skin, and mucous
membrane irritant. The LC(50) in rats is 2,000 mg/m(3) (1,333 ppm) for 4
hours, and the dermal LD(50) in rats is 4,060 mg/kg [NIOSH 1995]. Dogs exposed
to a 7 ppm airborne concentration of 90 percent hydrogen peroxide for 6 hours
per day, 5 days per week for 6 months developed external body irritation,
sneezing, lacrimation, and bleaching of the hair. At autopsy, their skin was
observed to be thickened and their lungs were seen to be irritated [ACGIH
1991]. Rabbits exposed daily to 22 ppm daily for 3 months exhibited irritation
around the nose and bleached hair [ACGIH 1991; NLM 1992]. Application to the
eyes of rabbits shows that hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of 5 percent or
above can cause lasting damage [Grant 1986]. Oral administration of hydrogen
peroxide in mice has caused adenomas and carcinomas of the duodenum [IARC
1985]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that
there is limited evidence of hydrogen peroxide's carcinogenicity in animals [IARC
1985]. Hydrogen peroxide is mutagenic in bacterial test systems and causes DNA
damage, sister chromatid exchanges, and chromosomal aberrations in mammalian
cells in vitro [IARC 1985].
2. Effects on Humans: Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant of the eyes, mucous
membranes, and skin. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapor or mist
may cause extreme irritation of the nose and throat [Hathaway et al. 1991].
The inhalation of 7 ppm causes lung irritation in humans [NLM 1992]. Severe
systemic poisoning may cause headache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors,
numbness, convulsions, pulmonary edema, unconsciousness, and shock. Exposure
for a short period of time to the mist or spray may cause stinging and tearing
of the eyes [Hathaway et al. 1991]. Splashes of high concentrations of
hydrogen peroxide in the eyes may cause severe corneal damage. At very low
concentrations (1 to 3 percent), instillation of hydrogen peroxide into the
eye causes severe pain that later subsides [Grant 1986]. Skin contact with
liquid hydrogen peroxide causes a temporary whitening or bleaching of the
skin; if the skin is not washed promptly, redness and blisters may develop.
Ingestion of hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation of the upper
gastrointestinal tract and severe damage to the esophagus and stomach
[Hathaway et al. 1991]. Hydrogen peroxide has caused DNA damage in in vitro
human test systems [NIOSH 1995].
* Signs and symptoms of exposure
1. Acute exposure: The signs and symptoms of acute exposure to hydrogen
peroxide include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, ranging from
mild bronchitis to pulmonary edema. Corneal ulceration, redness and blisters
on the skin, and bleaching of hair may occur after contact of the eyes or skin
with the liquid or vapor.
2. Chronic exposure: No signs or symptoms of chronic exposure to hydrogen
peroxide have been reported in humans.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES
* Emergency medical procedures: [NIOSH to supply]
5. Rescue: Remove an incapacitated worker from further exposure and
implement appropriate emergency procedures (e.g., those listed on the Material
Safety Data Sheet required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR
1910.1200]). All workers should be familiar with emergency procedures, the
location and proper use of emergency equipment, and methods of protecting
themselves during rescue operations.
EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS
The following operations may involve hydrogen peroxide and lead to worker
exposures to this substance:
* The manufacture and transportation of hydrogen peroxide
* Use in the synthesis of inorganic peroxygen compounds (e.g., sodium
perforate and sodium percarbonate)
* Use as an intermediate in the synthesis of plasticizers, organic
peroxygen compounds (e.g., methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, benzoyl peroxide),
peroxycarbonates, and amine oxides
* Use to bleach textiles, mechanical wood pulps, oils, waxes, fats,
discolored silk, straw, ivory, concentrated acids, flour, bone, feathers,
fruit, fur, hair, soap, gelatin, glue, and a variety of additional items
* Use to eliminate pollutants in industrial and municipal wastewater
treatment systems
* Use to remove hydrogen sulfide from the steam produced by geothermal
power plants, and to generate oxygen in respiratory protective equipment
* Use in the manufacture of glycerol acetone, antichlor, benzoyl peroxide,
buttons, disinfectants, felt hats, sponge rubber, and pesticides
* Use in various steps during the mining and processing of uranium,
pickling of copper and copper alloys, and cleaning of metals and silicon
semiconductors used in the electronics industry
* Use in a variety of small-volume applications in photography, cosmetics,
antiseptics, painting and engraving restoration, and cleansing agents
* Use as a sterilizing agent in food and wine processing
* Use as a polymerization promoter, a foaming agent, to age wines and
liquors, to disinfect water and hides, to refine oils and fats, and for
gilding and silvering of metal surfaces [NLM 1995]
* Use as a rocket fuel (the 90-percent solution), an ingredient of
explosives, and in military applications
* Use as a component in nonprescription drugs, and as a cleansing and
topical antiseptic agent
* Use in medicine to remove ear wax and to treat gingivitis
* Use as a laboratory reagent, a seed disinfectant, and a viscosity control
for starch and cellulose derivatives
Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to hydrogen
peroxide, depending on the feasibility of implementation, are as follows:
* Process enclosure
* Local exhaust ventilation
* General dilution ventilation
* Personal protective equipment
Workers responding to a release or potential release of a hazardous
substance must be protected as required by paragraph (q) of OSHA's Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120].
Good sources of information about control methods are as follows:
1. ACGIH [1992]. Industrial ventilation--a manual of recommended practice.
21st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists.
2. Burton DJ [1986]. Industrial ventilation--a self study companion.
Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
3. Alden JL, Kane JM [1982]. Design of industrial ventilation systems. New
York, NY: Industrial Press, Inc.
Wadden RA, Scheff PA [1987]. Engineering design for control of workplace
hazards. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
4. Plog BA [1988]. Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Chicago, IL:
National Safety Council.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
OSHA is currently developing requirements for medical surveillance. When
these requirements are promulgated, readers should refer to them for
additional information and to determine whether employers whose employees are
exposed to hydrogen peroxide are required to implement medical surveillance
procedures.
* Medical Screening
Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored in a
systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent
occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of
employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of
adverse health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and
treatment. The occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health
effects should prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures
(e.g., industrial hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal
protective equipment). A medical surveillance program is intended to
supplement, not replace, such measures. To detect and control work-related
health effects, medical evaluations should be performed (1) before job
placement, (2) periodically during the term of employment, and (3) at the
time of job transfer or termination.
* Preplacement medical evaluation
Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to
hydrogen peroxide, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and
document the worker's baseline health status with thorough medical,
environmental, and occupational histories, a physical examination, and
physiologic and laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated
occupational risks. These should concentrate on the function and integrity
of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Medical surveillance for
respiratory disease should be conducted using the principles and methods
recommended by the American Thoracic Society.
A preplacement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical
conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a
worker is exposed to hydrogen peroxide at or below the prescribed exposure
limit. The health care professional should consider the probable
frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure as well as the nature and
degree of any applicable medical condition. Such conditions (which should
not be regarded as absolute contraindications to job placement) include a
history and other findings consistent with diseases of the eyes, skin, and
respiratory system.
* Periodic medical evaluations
Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be
performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated
by any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard
exists and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3
to 5 years or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational
health physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker
develops symptoms attributable to hydrogen peroxide exposure. The
interviews, examinations, and medical screening tests should focus on
identifying the adverse effects of hydrogen peroxide on the eyes, skin, or
respiratory system. Current health status should be compared with the
baseline health status of the individual worker or with expected values
for a suitable reference population.
* Termination medical evaluations
The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the
physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that
were conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of
job transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at
the end of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health
status should be compared with those expected for a suitable reference
population.
* Biological monitoring
Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues or
fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite.
No biological monitoring test acceptable for routine use has yet been
developed for hydrogen peroxide.
WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne hydrogen peroxide is made
using a midget fritted glass bubbler (MFGB) containing 15 mL TiOSO(4). Samples
are collected at a recommended flow rate of 0.5 liter/minute until a
recommended collection volume of 100 liters is reached. Analysis is conducted
by colorimetric methods. This method (OSHA VI-6) is partially validated and is
described in the OSHA Computerized Information System [OSHA 1994].
PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES
If hydrogen peroxide contacts the skin, workers should flush the affected
areas immediately with plenty of water, followed by washing with soap and
water.
Clothing contaminated with hydrogen peroxide should be removed immediately,
and provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the
clothing. Persons laundering the clothes should be informed of the hazardous
properties of hydrogen peroxide, particularly its potential for causing
irritation.
A worker who handles hydrogen peroxide should thoroughly wash hands,
forearms, and face with soap and water before eating, using tobacco products,
using toilet facilities, applying cosmetics, or taking medication.
Workers should not eat, drink, use tobacco products, apply cosmetics, or
take medication in areas where hydrogen peroxide or a solution containing
hydrogen peroxide is handled, processed, or stored.
STORAGE
Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in
tightly sealed containers that are labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard
Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]. Containers of hydrogen peroxide
should be protected from physical damage and should be stored separately from
combustible materials such as, wood, paper, oil, etc., organic materials such
as alcohols, acetone, and other ketones; aldehydes, and their anhydrides;
glycerol, cotton (cellulose), metals including iron, copper, chromium, lead,
silver, manganese, sodium, potassium, magnesium, nickel, gold, platinum; metal
alloys such as, brass or bronze; metal oxides such as lead oxides, mercury
oxides, or manganese dioxide; and many metal salts, like potassium
permanganate or sodium iodate; and mineral acids .
SPILLS AND LEAKS
In the event of a spill or leak involving hydrogen peroxide, persons not
wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from
contaminated areas until cleanup has been completed. The following steps
should be undertaken following a spill or leak:
1. Notify safety personnel.
2. Remove all sources of heat and ignition.
3. Ventilate the area of the spill or leak.
4. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from the spilled
material.
5. Water spray may be used to reduce vapors, but the spray may not prevent
ignition in closed spaces.
6. For small liquid spills, flood the area with large amounts of water.
7. For large liquid spills, flood the area with large amounts of water and
dike far ahead of the spill to contain the hydrogen peroxide for later
reclamation or disposal.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for emergency
planning, reportable quantities of hazardous releases, community
right-to-know, and hazardous waste management may change over time. Users are
therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is
available.
* Emergency planning requirements
Employers owning or operating a facility at which there are 1,000 pounds
or more of hydrogen peroxide must comply with EPA's emergency planning
requirements.
* Reportable quantity requirements for hazardous releases
A hazardous substance release is defined by EPA as any spilling, leaking,
pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping,
leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the
abandonment or discarding of contaminated containers) of hazardous
substances. In the event of a release that is above the reportable
quantity for that chemical, employers are required to notify the proper
Federal, State, and local authorities [40 CFR 355.40].
The reportable quantity of hydrogen peroxide is 1 pound. If an amount
equal to or greater than this quantity is released within a 24-hour period
in a manner that will expose persons outside the facility, employers are
required to do the following: - Notify the National Response Center immediately
at (800) 424-8802 or at (202) 426-2675 in Washington, D.C. [40 CFR 302.6].
- Notify the emergency response commission of the State likely to be
affected by the release [40 CFR 355.40].
- Notify the community emergency coordinator to the local emergency
planning committee (or relevant local emergency response personnel) of any
area likely to be affected by the release [40 CFR 355.40].
* Community right-to-know requirements
Employers are not required by EPA in 40 CFR Part 372.30 to submit a Toxic
Chemical Release Inventory form (Form R) to EPA reporting the amount of
hydrogen peroxide emitted or released from their facility annually.
* Hazardous waste management requirements
EPA considers a waste to be hazardous if it exhibits any of the following
characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity as
defined in 40 CFR 261.21-261.24. Under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) [40 USC 6901 et seq.], EPA has specifically listed
many chemical wastes as hazardous. Although hydrogen peroxide is not
specifically listed as a hazardous waste under RCRA, EPA requires
employers to treat waste as hazardous if it exhibits any of the
characteristics discussed above.
Providing detailed information about the removal and disposal of specific
chemicals is beyond the scope of this guideline. The U.S. Department of
Transportation, EPA, and State and local regulations should be followed to
ensure that removal, transport, and disposal of this substance are
conducted in accordance with existing regulations. To be certain that
chemical waste disposal meets EPA regulatory requirements, employers
should address any questions to the RCRA hotline at (703) 412-9810 (in the
Washington, D.C. area) or toll-free at (800) 424-9346 (outside Washington,
D.C.). In addition, relevant State and local authorities should be
contacted for information on any requirements they may have for the waste
removal and disposal of this substance.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
* Conditions for respirator use
Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls be
used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous
materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may
require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be
worn if the ambient concentration of hydrogen peroxide exceeds prescribed
exposure limits. Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls
have been installed, (2) during work operations such as maintenance or
repair activities that involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations
that require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during
emergencies. Workers should only use respirators that have been approved
by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
* Respiratory protection program
Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program that,
at a minimum, complies with the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory
Protection Standard [29 CFR 1910.134]. Such a program must include
respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the
work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel,
respirator fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular
respirator maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an
adequate respiratory protection program (including selection of the
correct respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of
the program and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional
information on the selection and use of respirators and on the medical
screening of respirator users, consult the latest edition of the NIOSH
Respirator Decision Logic [NIOSH 1987b] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial
Respiratory Protection [NIOSH 1987a].
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment
that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in
preventing skin contact with hydrogen peroxide. The selection of the
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves,
encapsulating suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential
exposure to hydrogen peroxide. The resistance of various materials to
permeation by hydrogen peroxide (30 to 70 percent) is shown below:
Material |
Breakthrough time (hr) |
|
Butyl Rubber |
>8 |
Natural Rubber |
>8 |
Nitrile Rubber |
>8 |
Viton |
>8 |
Responder |
>8 |
Polyvinyl Chloride |
>4 |
4H (PE/EVAL) |
>4 |
Neoprene |
Caution 1 to 4 |
Polyvinyl Alcohol |
<1(*) |
(*) Not recommended, degradation may occur
To evaluate the use of these PPE materials with hydrogen peroxide, users
should consult the best available performance data and manufacturers'
recommendations. Significant differences have been demonstrated in the
chemical resistance of generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl)
produced by different manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of a
mixture may be significantly different from that of any of its neat
components.
Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically
evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety
showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that
involve hydrogen peroxide.
Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long,
minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or
other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.
In addition to the possible need for wearing protective outer apparel
(e.g., aprons, encapsulating suits), workers should wear work uniforms,
coveralls, or similar full-body coverings that are laundered each day.
Employers should provide lockers or other closed areas to store work and
street clothing separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end
of each work shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be
informed about the potential hazards of handling contaminated clothing and
instructed about measures to minimize their health risk.
Protective clothing should be kept free of oil and grease and should be
inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness.
Protective clothing may interfere with the body's heat dissipation,
especially during hot weather or during work in hot or poorly ventilated work
environments.
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