OPA is not classified as hazardous to health in accordance with ASCC criteria.
May irritate the tissues of the mouth, throat, oesophagus and digestive system. Symptoms of over exposure may include vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea.
Direct eye contact may cause stinging, excess tearing and redness. Advice should be sought from an ophthalmologist or optometrist regarding use of contact lenses.
Direct skin contact may cause stinging and mild irritation after prolonged exposure. Prolonged and repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Inhaling mists and sprays may cause mild irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory system. Symptoms of overexposure are coughing and sneezing. Inhalation may aggravate pre-existing bronchitis and asthma conditions.
No occupational exposure standards have been established for OPA.
Monitoring is not practicable as there is no exposure standard.
elimination - eliminate the use of the chemical
substitution - substitute the chemical with one less hazardous
isolation - isolate the chemical from the operator
engineering controls - e.g., install ventilation systems
administrative controls - those recommended for the use of OPA are:
PPE - recommended for use with OPA are:
OPA is not classified as a hazardous substance according to the ASCC criteria therefore health surveillance is not required.
All employees required to handle OPA should receive induction and ongoing training on its safe use. They should be fully trained in the nature and hazards of the product, as well as spill, leak and fire fighting responses.
Part of the training provided to anyone working with OPA should include instructions on how to clean up a spill and in the use of the spill kit. Records should be kept of the details of staff induction and training.
A spill kit should contain: