Document JvpN5qp2VXn77LzzEkV7gJjEv
. UNION ELECTRIC --MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTIONS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
Siibjoct:
CONTROLS for EMPLOYEE EXPOSURE to ASKARELS
Oate:
September 14, 1973
DJrectod To:
All Function Heads
No'; OSH 200.5
Refertnee: OSH Standards 29 CFR Part 1910.93Air Contaminant*
Policy -- InsUuctioni:
I. PURPOSE
To provide instruction to management for action necessary to eliminate or control employee exposure to Askarels.
II. CENTRAL INFORMATION
A. Description and Uses-
Askarcl Is a liquid insulation containing chlorinated hydrocarbons
(chlorodiphenyl) which is toxic to man through vapor Inhalation or
prolonged skin contact and harmful to animal life by entry Into the
environment.
.
Askarcl is used in the Union Electric System In capacitors, network transformers, associated high voltage switch compartments, and in other transformers where a non-combustible insulating liquid is required.
Some of the trade names used by electrical manufacturers for their
Askarel products are:
.
Inerteen Pyranol Chlorestol Dyknol Elemex
(Westinghouse) (General Electric) (Allis Chalmers)
(Federal Pacific) (McCraw-Edison)
B. Types of Hazards
1. Skin Contact
Chlorodiphenyl is absorbed by the skin. Local action is similar to that of common organic solvents where contact leads to removal of natural fats and oils with subsequent drying and cracking of the akin.
Allergy to Askarel najv cause skin irritation.
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,1, l\. (Cont'd)
^ Eye Contact
_
Both vapor and liquid moderately Irritating to tissues.
3. Inha lation
' Little vapor hazard of _fluid_at_3i1bient ^temperature. Vapors of hot or decomposing f1uids arc toxic -- the degree'of toxicity depending upon the employee breathing zone concentrations.
C. Exposure Limitations
.
1. Vapors
Employee exposure shall not exceed 1.0 mg/M^ for the 16% and 42%
chlorodiphcnyl and 0.5 ir.g/>r for the 54% chlorodipheny 1 based on . an eight-hour time weighted average. (Sec OSHA 1910.93(a)(2) for
reference.)
. a. Vapor hazard is slight or absent with routine handling at ambient temperatures (up to 131F/55C) and with natural
` ventilation.
b. Vapors of fluid temperature greater than 55C are toxic.
2. Eye Contact
Avoid at.all times
'
3. Skin
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact.
III. INSTRUCTION
Local management personnel are to:
A. Inform employees assigned to handle Askarel of the hazard potential
involved.
B. Provide adequate ventilation for those employees assigned to work in confined spaces so that exposure does not exceed Units noted above.
C. Insure that all personnel handling Askarel be provided with:
1. Instructions relative to good hygiene practices.
'
' a. V'ash hands with warm water and soap before esating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities.
b. Remove Askarel soaked clothes, wash skin, and launder clothing before reuse.
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3nLro1s for Employee Exposure lo Askarels -
SU 200.3
III. (Coat'd)
U. lutum* that nil personnel handling minimal quantities of Askarel under normn) comlitions--that Is, routine maintenance and rcpairs--be provlded with:
1. Eye protection (for handling where possibility of splashing exists).
a. Face shield (Stock No. 49-04-187) or, b. Chemical cover goggles (Stock No. 49-04-163).
2. Hand protection (for prolonged or repeated contact).
a. Impermeable gloves (vinyl No. 49-04-246, electrical) or, b. Barrier creams (Stock No. 14-01-108)
E. Insure that all personnel handling Askarel under emergency condltions--
that is, hoc spills, transformer rupture or blowups, etc.--will be
provided as needed with:
*
1. Full body impermeable clothtng--reusable or disposable.
2. Impermeable footwear.
*
3. Impermeable gloves.
4. Eye protection--as specified under DI.
5. Respiratory protective equipment.
*.
a. Self-contained breathing apparatus or, b. Gas mask.
(Note: Only required in confined spaces and if temperature _ of Askarel is in excess of 55C.)
(Refer to U. E. "Guide to Personal Protective Equipment.) Use of this equipment requires the surveillance of other personnel capable of rescue.
F. Provide emergency and medical treatment for:
1. Eye Contact
Irrigate eye(s) with water or "neutralize" for 15 minutes-refer to physician.
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I
Controls for Employee Exposure to -\skarcl O' t. 200.5
III. F. (Cont` d)
2. Employees who develop skin or respiratory irritation, refer to physician.
3. Employees exposed to high vapor concentrations, as in the case
of "hot" spills, refer to physician.
*
i
Earl K. Dille
MOMS 072404
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