Because many workplaces reprocessing flexible endoscopes are using glutaraldehyde lets have a look at how risk assessment relates to this product.
If you aren't using glutaraldehyde you could work through this section to see some of the explanatory notes before moving to the section on the biocide you are using.
Glutaraldehyde is classified as hazardous to health in accordance with ASCC criteria.
Accidental splashes with glutaraldehyde may cause severe irritation, pain and light sensitivity. Conjunctival and corneal irritation from vapour exposure occurs frequently.
If you wear contact lenses you should consult your ophthalmologist regarding the suitability of your lenses in relation to potential exposure to glutaraldehyde vapour. Some lenses may become discoloured or impregnated with glutaraldehyde and cause eye irritation.
Respiratory irritation is commonly reported as is irritation of the nose and throat. Asthma has also been reported.
Glutaraldehyde is a skin irritant and sensitiser. Contact dermatitis from skin irritation has been reported often. It is important to note that this may be associated with deep skin fissuring and cracking, resulting in an increased susceptibility to blood borne viruses (e.g., HIV).
Current evidence does not suggest that glutaraldehyde is a reproductive hazard or a carcinogen.
The ASCC sets exposure standards for hazardous substances, and these concentrations are designed to not cause adverse health effects or undue discomfort to nearly all employees.
The national exposure standard for glutaraldehyde is :
Peak Limitation (Peak ) = 0.1 ppm
This means that the exposure must never be greater than 0.1 ppm (Peak Limitation) regardless of whether the average exposure is still below 0.1 ppm.
There is a very limited safety margin here as occupational health problems have been reported with exposure to vapour concentrations close to 0.1 ppm. Sensitisation has been reported to occur at exposure levels below the odour threshold level of 0.04 ppm. and it can be difficult to be certain whether the peak values are exceeded from time to time.
A monitoring result that is half or more of the exposure standard should be taken to be an action level for review of control measures. It should also be noted that other countries have lower exposure standards (e.g., USA 0.05 ppm).
It may be necessary to monitor the glutaraldehyde concentration in the workplace.
There are a number of methods available for determining glutaraldehyde concentrations in air. Some of the methods are subject to interference from a variety of other chemical compounds including alcohol and perfume and will give falsely elevated readings in their presence. This means that someone who is competent and trained in using these measurement methods should carry this out. Contact your WH&S personnel to arrange monitoring of glutaraldehyde level.
Monitoring can be used to establish a baseline level, determine if there is a problem in the workplace in the first place or it may be used to determine if the control measures in place are effective.
Monitoring should occur on the introduction of any hazardous substance into the workplace and when new work practices relating to the use of the hazardous substance are introduced (e.g. heating glutaraldehyde).
You will remember that there was a hierarchy of control measures mentioned in the risk management section.
The hierarchy of control measures used to reduce exposure to glutaraldehyde is:
elimination - eliminate the use of the hazardous substance
substitution - substitute the chemical with one less hazardous
isolation - isolate the hazardous substance from the operator
engineering controls - e.g., install ventilation systems
administrative controls - those recommended by NICNAS for the use of glutaraldehyde are:
PPE - recommended for use with glutaraldehyde are:
| See also the section on PPE required for use when reprocessing - not just when handling glutaraldehyde |
If a risk assessment shows that there is significant risk to the health of employees then health surveillance may need to be carried out. It would be advisable to consult your WH&S personnel about this as different State and Territory legislation have different requirements for health surveillance.
The type of surveillance carried out could include respiratory function testing and skin examinations. An example of a health questionnaire is to be found in the NZ document The Safe Occupational Use of Glutaraldehyde in the Health Industries.
All employees exposed to glutaraldehyde must receive induction and ongoing training on its safe use. They should be instructed on the health effects associated with glutaraldehyde and how to use it safely, including the use of fume cabinets or other local exhaust ventilation systems and PPE.
Records must be kept of the details of staff induction and training. A list of the key elements of a good induction and training program for employees who may potentially be exposed to hazardous substances is available on the ASCC website in the National Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances (then scroll down to Hazardous Substances).
Part of the training provided to anyone working with glutaraldehyde should include instructions on how to clean up a spill and in the use of the spill kit. A spill kit should be available close to the area where the glutaraldehyde is used and should contain everything necessary to clean up the spill.
A spill kit should contain:
Your workplace should also have an emergency response plan in the event of a substantial (>=15 litres) leak or spill. Your WH&S personnel will be able to help you to prepare this response plan if necessary.
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© The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2008.
