Document aDrGEnmm215101dzeLn0XRny9

ptEELANCE TRANSLATION Language. Unit/TR.I5.063a/SHB-R/HDM 8 December 1977 BERUFSGENOSSFNSCHAFT DER CHEMISCHEN INDUSTRIE* Directive No 2 VINYL CHLORIDE DIRECT1 VE Issued 7.1977 DIRECTIVE ON MEASURES FOR THE PBEVF NTION OF INJURY TO HEALTH IN THE HANDLING OF VD YL CHLORIDE CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 SCOPE 2 CURRENT REGULATIONS 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 3 FIRST AID 6 PRECAUTIONARY WORKS MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS APPENDIX It "TECBNISCHE RICHTKONZENTRATION"** FOR VINYL CHLORIDE APPENDIX 2s EFFECTS OF VINYL CHLORIDE PAGE 1 2 2 8 9 14 13 17 19 INTRODUCTION ! Characteristic illness^sdescribed as "vinyl chlorids disease" have occurred among insured persons in vinyl chloride producing and processing voxks. particularly in polymerisation plant. Chemical Industry Employers' Association (particularly concernsd with employers' liability insurance) There is no direct equivalent for this in English. It is usually referred to by the abbreviation "THE". Rough translations Technical Reference Concentration. SL 096368 2 The following directive seta forth the induetrial hygiene precautions to be obeerred in the^production and processing of vinyl chloride in order to prevent these illnesses. 1 SCOPE This directive applies to plant in which vinyl chloride (VC) is produced, recovered, transferred, conveyed, converts^ to unshaped polymers hereinafter referred to as PVC - or othenrijse used. It also applies to j plant in which PVC is worked up or processed if insured persons are exposed to the effects of vinyl chloride it^ the course of their duties. There are no effects from vinyl chloride if the conditions set out under itea 3 of Appendix 2, "Effects of vinyl chloride", are satisfied. 2 CURRENT REGULATIONS For areas and work-places at risk the relevant provisions of Sections 45, 47 and 4 of Chapter 1 "General Provisions" and Section 12 (2) of Chapter 1.2 "Silos and Bunkers" of the Unfallverhiitungavorschriften (Accident Prevention Regulations) of the Berufsgenossenschaft der chenischen Industrie must in Accident Prevention Regulations Chapter 1 "General Provisions" (VBG 1) Section 43 (1) If insured persons are exposed to materials injurious to health, or pathogenic micro-organisms, vibrations; radiation, cold or heat or other influences injurious to health, the employer must, without prejudice to other 1 gal provisions, determine the extent f the danger. If he is unable t determine precautions necessary for averting a hazard, he must seek expert advice. SL 096369 3 (2) Work in which the evolution of gasesj vapours, fogs or dusts injurious to health in dangerous amounts cannot b^ avoided oust (i) be carried out in enclosed apparatus, or if this is technically impossible or unsuitable, (ii) the gases, vapours, fogs or 4usts injurious to health must be safely extracted at ^heir point of production or emission. If even this is impossible, the areas must be suitably ventilated, if necessary artificially. Section 47 Areas in which materials hazardous to health have been found likely to ccur in dangerous concentrations or quantities may only be entered by expressly authorised persons using the necessary safety precautions. For entry to autoclaves, special attention suat be paid to the "S cbutzmessnahme^Efei Befahren von Behai tern" (Safety Precautions for Entry to Autoclaves). They are appended to the Unfallverhutungsvorschrift Abschnitt 1 "Allgemeine Vorschriften" (Occident Prevention Regulations, Cnapter 1: General Provisionjs) SL 096370 4 Section 4 - - (1) If exposure of the insured persons to accident or health hazards ! is not excluded by the plant operating procedures, the employer must make suitable personal protective equipment available and maintain this in proper condition. (2) The employer must, in particular, make available: 1 Protective headgear, if there is a likelihood of head injuries from collisions, from swinging objects, from objects falling down or falling over, or flying objects, or from loose long hair. 2 Protective footwear, if there is a likelihood of foot injuries from impact or-trapping or from objects falling over or falling down or rolling, or from stepping j>n sharp, pointed objects or from hot materials or hot or corrojsive liquids. 5 Protective goggles or masks if the^e is a likelihood of eye or facial injuries from flying objects, liquid splashes or hazardous radiation. 4 Breathing apparatus, if the insure:)! persons may be exposed to gases, vapours, fogs or dusts whicli are injurious to health, in particular^mic, corrosive or irritant, or if lack of oxygen can occur, ' 5 Body protection, if work is carried out with or in the vicinity of materials leading to skin damag^ or able to penetrate into the human body through the skin, orj where there is a risk of burns, chemical burns, scalds, excessive chilling, electric shocks, penetrating wounds or cuts. j SL 096371 7 4.2 Personal Protecting Equipment 4.2.1 Breathing apparatua If vinyl chloride can escape during! maintenance and repair work suitable breathing apparatus must b^ worn. Breathing apparatus must be taken along when working in the vicinity of outlet apertures of safety and venting Rules for the proper use of suitably breathing equipment are contained in the "Atemschutzmerkblatt" (ZH l/13^) (Breathing apparatus instructions) published the Deutscher Ausscbuss fiir Atemschutzgerate (German Breathing Apparatus Committee). In the event of oxygen deficiency, or excessive concentrations of I injurious material, breathing apparatus operating independently of the ambient atmosphere is required. The currently valid reports of thp Deutscher Ausschuss fur Atemschutzgor&te (German Breathing Apparatus Committee) give information on breathing apparatus which has been tested and declared suitable by the German Breathing Apparatus Committee. 4.2.2 Body protection - miscellaneous personal protective equipment. To avoid direct contact of the skip with liquid vinyl chloride or unstripped crude polymer suitable protective equipment, eg body protection, goggles or masks must be worn. SL 096372 a 4.3 C,m oncent!!r!ation Measurem. .e. . .n. . .t. s. . j 4.3*1 , The vinyl-chloride concentration in the vorking are* must be aonltored by aolteble teat methods. A written record of the teat results, eg teat strips* hourly average#, must be maintained i and kept for at leaat 2 years. The monthly and yearly average figurea for each vorking area ^ust be kept for 20 yeara. The same holde for break-downs. For the use of suitable test system# corresponding to the stat of the art and for the evaluation of the teat--reaulta reference ia node to the "NAMJB-Arbeitsblatt iiber Vinylehlorid-Messtechnik" ("NAMUR work-sheet on vinyl chloride that methods") (in preparation) and to the Techniache Eegel (Technical Regulation) "Nesaplanung, atatintiache Beurteilung" ("Planning of tests, atatiatical evaluation") (in preparation)* Unaelective teat ayateaa nay only be uaed if the measured value for j the sum of all the compounds does not exceed the applicable limiting value for vinyl chloride* or if the value of the bane--level c naisting of other compounda ia deaonatreted. 4.3.2 The number and location of the itest points met be so selected that ~the reaulta of the teata give 4 representative picture of the concentration in the vhole of the vorking area. Whether testing must be continuous or discontinuous must be decided on the baaia of the production process* the spatial relations and the ventilation procedures uaed. SL 096373 5 * Accident Prevention Regulations Chapter 1 .2 "Silos and Bunkers", Section 12 (2) Silos and bunkers in which gases, vapours or dusts which are injurious to health, in particular, toxic, corrosive or irritant gases, vapours or dusts are present or can fora, or in which oxygen deficiency can occur, may only be entered .ith breathing apparatus* Hole for the implementation of Section 12 Paragraph 2; I This provision is satisfied if breathing Apparatus tested by the Deutscher Ausschuss fur Atemschutzgerate and permitted for the purpose in question is used. In the event of oxyge^ deficiency, breathing apparatus operating independently of the ambient atmosphere must be used. 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 3*1 The employer must ensure that in plant in accordance with Section 1 this directive and the generally recognised rujLes of the art are observed as well as the existing regulations. Departures from this directive are permissible if the same safety is ensured by other means. 3.2 Adequate precautions must be taken for reducing the vinyl chloride concentration below the TBK value in all forking areas. For details of the TBK values currently established see Appendix 1. Concentrations in the region of the TBK a^e not detectable by odour. SL 096374 6 3.3 The conduct t the insured para na in trouble-free operation and in caae of break*-down must be laid down in a written operating manual. 3.4 The insured persons - even those employed for short periods and occasionally must be instructed of the danger of handling vinyl chloride, the safety provisions and the operating manual before they take up their duties. The instructions must be repeated at suitable intervals, but at least every six months. Proof of this must be furnished. 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS I 4.1 Ventilation" " , 4.1.1 No artificial ventilation precautions are usually necessary in out--door installations. i 4.1.2 If emission of vinyl chloride cannot be prevented by artificial methods with plant in enclosed areas, observance of the requirements of Section 3.2 must be ensured by natural or artificial ventilation, dependin^bS*fche type of structure. `i 4.1.3 With plant in which vinyl chloride can escape as a result of the process it must be ensured by meanb of extractors that the vinyl chloride is led safely away at the|points of emission. For safety precautions in the cleaning of autoclaves see Section 4.5. SL 096375 9 In working arena of plant for t^ie production of vinyl chloride polymers in enclosed bulldinga diacontinuous concentration measurements are not generally Adequate. I '*.3.3 If discontinuous measurements are adequate the time intervals between the measurements must b^ laid down in the operating manual so that the average value of thf vinyl chloride concentration can be determined with sufficient accuracy. The times at which the measurements are made must be chosen on a random basis, and a sufficient number of samples must be taken. 4.4 Breakdowns j If the vinyl chloride concentration in a working area rises to more than 40 ppm this must be signalled by an automatic al4rm within at most 5 min. The working area must then be evacuated iiMediately or breathing apparatus must be worn. With breakdowns lasting more than 3 minutes the cause of the breakdown must ba discovered and the precautiona of Secti|on 4.3.1 must be taken, i The warning ia on^Sikfgicai where plant conditions require continuous maasuramant of vinyl chloride. ^5 Safety Precautions in Cleaning Polymerisation Autoclaves Plant and processes must ha eo designed that cleaning operations in the autoclaves are required as rarely as possible. must ba substantially excluded. Hand cleaning operations SL 096376 10 4.9.1 Mechanised Cleaning Without Entering the Autoclave 4.9.1*1 . ClMaine oquipuent, for example mechanically driron spray equipaent, mt a* far possible bo introduced into tbo vessel by aochanical ana and operated fron outside with the nanhole covered. 4.9.1.2 If cleaning equipment, eg hand-held spray equipment, is used with the nan-hole open, it Bust be ensured by suitable precautions before opening the autoclave, eg by evacuation, washing with water, ventilation, and the wearing of breathing apparatus that the operator is not exposed to vinyl chloride concentrations above the TBK. 4.9.2 Manual Cleaning where the Autoclave Must be Entered 4.9.2.1 Before annual cleaning, save wbjere provided by Section 4.9.2.2, echaniaed cleaning Bust be carried oat in accordance with Section 4.9.1. 4.9.2.2 If Beehmised cleaning is impossible because of process factors, eg in bulk polymerisation or with faulty batches, annual cleaning ay be carried out. Since vinyl chloride nay be liberated froa gnseouZSaglusions in the buildup in cleaning or re-cleaning, the following precautions Bust be tjaken. 4.9.2.2.1 Before entry and during work inside then the autoclaves Bust be ventilated. The extent and conduct of the ventilation Boat be such that the TBK is not exceeded in any part of the autoclave during the work inside it. SL 096377 11 This requirement 1* aatiefied If there are not laaa than 30 changes of air par hour. In the goneznl case tho air vill bo oxtractod from the bottom of the vessel. If thio txunber of changes of ai^> la not achieved the vinyl chloride concentration nuet be continuously monitored by check measurements* If a VC concentration of 40 ppai ie exceeded the employees muat iwediately evacuate the autoclaves or wear breathing apparatus. . i 4,5.2.2.2 If it ia impossible to achieve values beloir the TBK by changing- the air, eg with faulty batches, breathing apparatus independent of tho aabient ataosphere must be vorn. The sane applies to cleaning with solvents. t 4.5.2.3 The tine spent inside oust be Ignited* The tine spent inside shall not exceed 4 hours in tvo consecutive shifts for any enployoe. 4.3.2*4 In all manual work in autoclave^ sturdy protective gloves and sturdy shoes oust be vorn. 5 FIBST AID I 3*1 If insured persons handling vinyl chloride complain about health disturbances a doctor asist be consulted ineediately. The doctor Bust be informed that the patient has been working with vinyl chloride. SL 096378 12 3.2 In neat* vinyl florid* poisoning the victim mast bo brought into tbs fresh sir or well*^ventilated room as soon as possible. Garments contaminated with I vinyl chloride mist be taken off and removed from the room. To avoid chills the victim mast be wrapped up. A doctor mast be called iediately. 5.3 The victim must be laid on his side and Supported in that position(otherwise there is a danger of suffocation). unattended. If possible he should not be left i 5.A If the patient is not breathing, artificial respiration must be administered ismediately by suitable means, if possible by moutlv-io-aouth or moutb-to-nose resuscitation. If oxygen breathing apparatus is available, further resuscitation must be continued with this. If circulation has stopped, external heart massage must be carried out in addition. However, the latt r must only be carried out by First-Aiders who have received special instructions in this method. The life-saving measures must be continued during transpArt or until a doctor arrive^. 3*3 Unconscious persons must not be given anyi liquids. 6 PBECAUTIGNm wSwiCAL EXAMINATIONS If there is a likelihood that insured perfons will be exposed to the effects of vinyl chloride in the course of their ^uties, the employer may employ in his plant and departments according to Section 1 only insured persons who have been examined by an authorised doctor before employment and at the prescribed intervals during their employment and for whom there is a certificate that there are no health objections to their employment. j The selection of the insured persons to bp examined must be based on the definiti n "Effects of vinyl chloride" (Appendix 2). SL 096379 The exaainatione Boat be carried out in accordance with "Der Grandeats ftir # arbeitaaedisinieche Voraorgaunterauchungen bei Einwirkung won Vinylchlorid" ("Fundamentals of Precautionary Works Medical Krasinationa where there are effecta from vinyl chloride") published by the Berufegenoeaenachaft der chesiachen Industrie, Heidelberg. i I Translator* a note: The words "bei Einwirkung von" do not appear in the text but have been restored froa the complete title given in Appendix 2. SL 096380 APPENDIX 1 14 the thk fob vinyl chloride A value of "2 ppa was 1*1d down on 1,7.77. no the IRK value, The concontrntion aust not on average exeood thro* tinoo the TBK value for * period of one hour. Thie value applies in particular to working area* in- () the production (newly built plant), recovery, storage, transfer, i conveying and use of vinyl chloride sonoser. (b) the conversion of vinyl chloride to unshaped vinyl chloride polyaers (newly erected PVC production plant). (c) the handling of unshaped vinyl chloride polyaers and their noulding coapounds* l A TBK value of 5 ppm has been laid down for existing plant for producing vinyl chloride aonaaer and existing plants for producing fVC. EXPLANATIONS1^ The TBK values are to be understood as yearly average values for a daily exposure t exceeding 8 hours and not longer than 40 hours weekly - or in four-shift working 42 hours per week as an average of four successive shifts. Decision of the Ausschuss fir gefahrliche Arbeitestoffe SL 096381 15 The concentration any not on avenge exceed three tin s the THK value for a period of 1 hour. Thna a limit ia alao placed on peak level^; the amplitudea of fluctuation of the concentntion of injurioua material are taken into account at the same time. The decisive factors for fixing the THK v^lue arei- I - the ability to determine the concentration of the injurious material in the region of the THK value. - the current technical state of the process and ventilation precaution* having regard to vhat is within technical reach in the near future. j - that present knowledge of industrial hygiene is not inconsistent with it. SL 096382 16 Apporon 2 EFFECTS OF VINYL CHLORIDE The definition of the tern "effect" vhiclj appliee is in essence the general definition laid down by the Ausschuss fuij gefahrliche Arbeitsstoffe I (Hazardous Materials Comittee), published in Arbeitsscbutz 5/p 170, which reads as follows** "An effect within the neaning of the Order oust be assumed wherever there is a risk of a hazardous amterial causing acute or chronic injury to health, in particular if 1) the concentration measured in the workplace is repeatedly found not to be below the concentration for the workplace and/or 2) the results of determinations of the material or ite metabolites in the body or body fluids of the employee or other medical investigations demonstrate that under the existing working conditions and in the light of our knowledge of industrial hygiene and toxicology there is a likelihood of an injury to health. An effect within the meaning of this Orddr is not to be assumed if on the basis of sufficient medftal or industrial expedience the risk of injury to health does not exist. In handling carcinogenic materials the presence of an effect moat be supposed as a rule. SL 096383 17 If there is a likalihood f insured persons being exposed to the effects of vinyl chloride during their duties they must undergo precautionary works - *) medical examinations in accordance with No 21 of Supplement 2 ' to Section 50 No 1 of the UW (Unfallverhutungsvorschriften, Accident Prevention Regulations). The first re-examination must take place 6 to 12 months after the first examination^ further re-examinations after 12 to 2k months. The examinations must be made by authorise^ doctors having regard to "Der Grundsatz fur arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorgeuntersuebungen boi Einwirkung von Vinylchlorid", published by the Berofsgenossenschaft der chesiischen Industrie. A guide to the selection of the group of persons to be examined is given by the following material-related definition ^f the term "Effect of vinyl chloride". j Physico-chemical Properties of Vinyl Chlorj.de Vinyl chloride (monocbloroethylene) under formal conditions is a colourless, readily flasnable gas with a faint sweeting odour. At 760 nm Hg it condenses at -14C'T8^a colourless, mobile liquid. Vinyl chloride is readily soluble in almost all organic liquids. It is only sparingly soluble in water; when suspension media, stabilisers or emulsifiers are used it can be finely dispersed in water by stirring. In the absence of air and light, pure, dry vinyl chloride is stable in the ^soons and liquid state and non-corrosive. The chemical reactions of vinyl chloride are restricted almost *) In preparation SL 096384 18 exclusively to the reaction of the double bond. The chi rine aton, as the second functional grbup, can only be replaced with great difficulty. The most important property of vinyl chloridb is its ability to polymerise. j Formulat Melting point: Boiling point: Density at 20C: Vapouxwlensity (air a 1): Vapour-pressure at 20C: Explosive limits in air: CH2 = CHC1 - 15^jc _ 14b 0.91 t/ert* 2.16 2,580 bd Hg 3.8 - 29.3% v/v 95 - 770 g/m3 I Because of its carcinogenic action vinyl chloride is no longer given an MAK value. For this reason the Auaschubs fur Geftthrliche Arbeitsstoffe (Hazardous Materials Coanittee) has laid down a THK value for vinyl chloride. For existing VC- and PVC- production plaint this is 5 ppm or 13 mg/m^ and for other plant 2 ppm or 5 mg/m^. (TRgA 102, published in "Arbeitsscbutz" 6/77, pp 127-128). Material-relate<V^ffinition of the term "Effect of vinyl chloride" . 1 An effect of vinyl chloride is in general to be assumed where work with viltyl chloride or vinyl chloride-containing materials is carried out and vinyl chloride is absorbed by inhalation or there is contact of the skin with liquid vinyl chloride, if the conditions set out in Nos 3 or 4 below do not apply. * Where vinyl chloride is mentioned below it is always the monomeric product CH2 a CHC1 that is meant. SL 096385 19 2 An effect ofjrinyl chloride r vinyl chloride-containing materials is in particular to bo assumed for the modes of operation, jobs or activities mentioned in tho Appendix, or modes of operation, jobs or activities comparable with these. II 3 An effect of vinyl chloride or vinyl chloride-containing materials is not to be assumed for a mode of operation or job or for activitiesi i j 3.1 if it is demonstrated by years of experience of industrial hygiene - j including the available data on exposure - that no injury to the health of employees from vinyl ^bloride has occurred and none is ' to be expected if the working conditions remain the same. 3.2 if, failing such industrial hygiene experience, it is deswnstrated, by measurements on the job, that the vinyl chloride concentration in the ambient air is below 2 ppm '. ' The controlling factor here is the yearly average figure of 2 ppm. For the period of one hour the concentration may not exceed an average value of 6 ppa i^See also on this poi^t the Technische Begel (Technical Buie) TBgA lQflrto the Arbeitsstoffverordnung (Working Materials Order), published in "Arbeitsschuts" 6/77* pp 127-128). For the planning and carrying out of the tests and the statistical evaluation of the data in relation <4 the question of whether or n t the limits are exceeded the currently valid Technische Regain (Technical Rules) must be followed. See Technische Regel "Messplanung und statistisehe Beurteilung" (Planning of tests and statistical evaluation, in preparation). SL 096386 20 In PVC processing plant the value may be assumed to be safely below the above-aentioned value - eo that concentration measurements nay aa a rule be oaitted - if raw aateriale * containing leaa than 20 mg vinyl chloride nonoaer per kg of polyvinyl chloride are uaed end appropriate ventilation precautiona are taken. k Short-term or occaaional expoaura to vinyl chloride or vinyl chloride* containing aateriala can aignlfy the abaence of an effect. 4.1 There ia short-term expoanxe if the working arena are entered fornot more than half an hour a day. In thia caae the average value of the vinyl chloride concentration in the area any net exceed 15 ppa and there suet be no direct contact with liquid j vinyl chloride. I Typical examplea of abort-term expoaure are patrola by inapectiont supervisory, maintenance or management peraonnel and repair work by cruftaaen on previously cleaned apparatus. 4.2 There irewiaaional expoaure ifi the working areas are only rarely entered. In thia caae the ave{ruge value of the vinyl chloride concentration in the ambient aijr may not (exceed 15 ppm and there must be no direct contact with (liquid vinyl chloride. * Translator* a note: Presumably. The unit ia oaitted in the original. See attached passage from Sichere Cheaiearbeit (p 58) where the "kg" is given. SL 096387 21 Typical^exaaplea of occaaional expoaure ore viaita to factoriea and vork-placea by work* doctora, aafety engineera, inapectora, cuatoaera or viaitora. i Work by craftsmen which ia not directly connected with production or processing ia to be treated under the regaining, prowlaiona of Paragraph 1 aa occaaional ezpoaure up to k weeka per annum. I Typical examples of thia are painting of walla and ceilings, laying electric cable and lighting firtnrea, inatallation of a new plant. APPENDIX TO ITEM 2 There ia likelihood of an effect in plant for the production* polymerisation or other uae of vinyl chloride and in working arena in which vinyl chloridb can ariae in aignifieant quantitiea froa internediate or final producta. (aee alao 3.2). There ia, in particular, likelihood of an ^ffect with jobs (including long-term cleaning and repair work) in the following arenas Vinyl chloride production Vinyl chloride tranafer equipment Polyvinyl chloride production, including tfie following work-up plants Emulsion and auapension tank inatallationa Centrifugea Driera Bagging equipment (if in the same building aa the work-up plant) Intermediate atore for PVC Semi-technical plant. SL 096388 HQEELANCS TRANSLATION Languagea UBit/T&.13.063VraG-4/Bl>M 21 N caber 1977 22 j SICHEBE CHEMISABBEIT P 2181 IS XXIX.8.1977. PP 57-60 (BULLETIN OF THE BEHUFSGEN0SSQJ8CHAFT DEE CHKMISCHEN INDUSTHIS) CHANGES IN THE VINYL CHLORIDE DIRECTIVE The Board of the Berufagenoaaenachaft der cheniachen Iadaatrie haa decided to aaend the "Richtlinien tiber Scbutznaaenahnen aur Verhhtung von Geeundheitaachaden beia Ungang ait Vinylcblorid" (VinylchloricU&ichtlinien) ("Diractire on aafety precautiona for preventing danage to health in the handling of vinyl chloride" (Vinyl Chloride Directive))* The new directive conea into force on 1.7*77* The changea in the previoualy current Vinyl Chloride DirectiTe haTe becoae neceaaary for the following reasona* 1 The Anaachnaa ftir gefibrliche Arbeitaatoffe (Hazardoua Materiala Coaaittee) baa decided on a new TRK value for vinyl chloride, which appliee from 1*7.77*2 2 The provialone of the Unfallverhutungavorachrift Abaehnitt 1 "Allgeneine Vorachriften" (AeeMent Prevention Regulationa Chapter 1 "General Proviai ne") aet out in Section 2 "Current Regaletiona" of the vinyl chloride directive Mint be replaced by the corroaponding proviaiona of the Accident Prevention Regulationa which apply fron 1.4.77* SL 096389 23 3 Break-downs in vbieh a permissible VC concentration ia exceeded need to be subject to regulations* The important changes relate to the folloijring sections* In Section 1, "Scope", the applicability ^f the directive to plant in which PVC is finished and processed is aimed at the effects of vinyl chloride. In general there are only very f*v working areas in those plants affected by vinyl chloride. There is no effect from vinyl chloride if the conditions set out under numbered item 3 of Appendix 2 "Effects of vinyl chloride" are satisfied* - In Section 2, "Current Regulations", as already stated, the provisions f the Unfallverbutongsvorschriften Abschnitt 1 "Allgemeine Vorschriften" I (Accident Prevention Regulations Chapter 1, "General Provisions") which apply from 1.4*77* have been incorporated. Section 3*2 has been amended in that the aim of protection is now specified as thQ^%hiction of the VC cone^txation below the TDK value* ** The requirement for the monthly and yearly average values for each working area to be kept for at least 20 years has been newly incorporated in Section 4*3.1. The same applies to breal^-downs. The test results, eg test strips, hourly averages, on the other hand only need to be kept for at least 2 years. SL 096390 2k In respect of the appropriate teat system in accordance with the atate f the art rafaranca is made to the "Namur-Arbeitsblatt iiber Vinylchlorid Messtechnik"and the Tachniache Regain "Messplanung, statiatiache Beurteilung" (Namur Work sheet on vinyl chloride teat ^ethoda" and Technical Bale "Planning of tests, statistical evaluation"), which are both in preparation. In addition, this section sets out the conditions under which non--selective test--systena nay be uaed for measuring the vinyl chloride concentration. Section k.k "Break-downs" has been newly ijncorporated in the directive. The test-system mast be so adjusted that i|f the vinyl chloride concentration exceeds 40 ppm in a working area an alarm is given autonatically after not more than 5 mixmtes. A further note must be drawn up on these regulations giving suggestions of how this requirement my be satisfied with the teat systems installed. Section 4.5.2.2.1, which corresponds to previous Section 4.4.2.2,1, goes further and has been re-worded, since the extent and conduct of the ventilation during the cleaning work in the autoclaves mast be such that the TRK value is not exceeded in any part of the autoclave. I This requirement is in all cases satisfied by 30 changes of air per hour. If this number of changes of air is not attained the vinyl chloride must be continuously monitored by check measurements. If a VC concentration of 40 ppm is exceeded the employees must isaaediately evacuate the autoclave or wear breathing apparatus. SL 096391 25 The wording of Section 6 "Precautionary Works Medical Examinations" fane been adapted to Section IV "Arbeitimedisiniscbe Vorsorge" ("Industrial Hygiene") in the Unfal lverbiitungsvorschrift Abschnitt 1 "Allgeaeine Vorschriften" (Accident Prevention Regulations, Chapter 1,"General Provisions"). Appendix 1 "Technische Riehtkonzentntionjfur Vinylchlorid" (Technical Reference Concentration for vinyl chloride) has been amended in accordance with the new TRK values of 5 ppm for existing VC and PVC production plant and 2 ppm for all other plant, which apply from 1,7.77* The "Effects of vinyl chloride" has been 4dded to the directive as an Appendix. EFFECTS OF VINYL CHLORIDE SEIECTION OF THE GROUP OF PERSONS TO BE EXAMINED Vinyl chloride disease has occurred for some years la the Geraan Federal Republic in some plants in the VC/PVC producing industry. In the present state of our knowledge this occurrence wad to be ascribed to the high concentrations of vinyl chloride monomer in the ambient air of these plants. After drastic reduction of the concentration of vinyl chloride monomer in the ambient air of the plants concerned by observing the directive "Vinylchlovld*&iefciN.inien" (Vinyl Chloride Directive) published by the Berufagenossenschaft der chemischen Industrie, there is a reasonable hope that if all the safety precautions are observed present working conditions may no longer cause damage to health. SL 096392 26 On tbe first euit-ol sickness basoning known the Berufsgenoseenschaft dor chanischan Industrie laid the foundations for apoclal precautionary works nodical exaninations, in which tho insured persons exposed to the effect* of vinyl chloride are exaained. As with all other naterials injurious to health and hazardous activities the question arises with vinyl chloride of the selection of the gr^up of persons to be exasdned. Zn future specific definitions of the ter4 "affect14 will be a guide to the employer responsible for this natter* A panel of works doctors, technologists, toxicologists and representatives of Berufsgenossenschaften and public bodies will give the employer froa their expert knowledge suggestions for tho selection of the group of persons to be exaninsd* Such a definition now exists for the effects of vinyl chloride* The group of persons to be exaninsd is nainly to be sought aaong those anployed in VC or PVC production plant in which vinyl chloride disease has occurred in the past. Even in this area, however, a concentration of less than 2 ppn.in the aabient air or brief or occasional exposure nay justify dispensing with the carrying out of precautionary works nodical exaninations. There,will therefore also be working areas in the FVC processing industry in which,, because of present working conditions, special precautionary works nodical enaiaatidSVare unnecessary. If, however, personnel arc enployed who .have earlier been exposed to fairly high vinyl chloride concentrations, thoir)state of health,nust continue to be monitored by subsequent exaninations. Practical experience has shown that special precautionary works nodical exaninations are in principle unnecessary in plant of the PVC processing industry. There is a reference to the conditions necessary for this in iteu 3.2 of the definition of "effect44. Plant in which a raw notarial (PVC powder or granules) is processed, whoso producer guarantees a content of less than SL 096393 27 20 mg of vinyl chloride por kg of FVC mj diapenae vith precautionary vorka Medical examinationa. This etate^ient ia baaed on the fact that if the ventilation precautiona uanal in thia plant are Maintained the vinyl chloride concentration in the working area ia certainly below 2 ppm. If the producer cannot guarantee the abo^e-mentioned vinyl chloride level. chloride in the ambient air ia below 2 ppm, aafety precautiona an^or apecial precautionary worka medical e&mlnationa are neceaeary* The competent technical inapector will adviae on queatijona connected vith thia* It Boat be clearly etated that vinyl chloride di^eaae doeo not occur on working with l the finiahed PVC pinatic. If thia plaa^ic ia aubjeeted to hot working (eg welding) hydrogen chloride may be apljlt off by thermal deeoapoaitlon. The probleme connected with thia nay be ajafely overcome by ventilation and have nothing to do with vinyl chloride diaeaae* [jhe bottom half of p 98 and the top half of p 591 which have been reproduced in the body of the text, (pp 17-21) are not repeated here SL 096394 HANDLING OF KASUBDOOS MATERIALS NEW THK VAUJES The Ausachuss fir gefithrliche Arbeitsstoffe (AgA) (Hazardous Materials Coanittee) in its session of 17.3.77. inter alia approved the new text of Technisehe Hegel (Technical Buie* TRgA) 102 "Technisehe Hichtkanzentmtion (TBK) fiir geffchrliche Arbeitsstoffe" ("Technical Deference Concentrations for hazardous materials") (See Arbeitsschutz 6/1977). THK List Material ppm Notes iS -----8 Arsenic and its compounds (except arsinel)) Asbestos^ Chrysotile, Amosite - Fine dust27) containing asbestos (chrysotile, amosite) Benzene 8 i 0.2 0.1 of 2 fibres/ cm3 i A.O | 1 26 Calculated as As in total dust %) Asbestos as fine dust 7 Definite of fibret Length :> 9 Diameter 3 jm Length/ Diameter > 3*1 Fine dust^ Nickel and its compounds (except nickel carbonyl1)) Nickel electrolysis and plating baths Otherwise * 0.(^5 0.9 Calculated ae Ni in total dust3) H tt a Vinyl chloride Existing VC and FVSsfc 5 13 ; * production plant mbm*l Otherwise 25 ^ There are MAK values for this notarial. 2)7 The THK values for fine asbestos dust an^l fine asbestos-containing dust were worked out by the "Komsiasion zur Frufung gesundheitsgefMhrlicher Arbeitsst ffe" der Deutschen Forschungsgeneinschaft (the "Coneuttee for Testing Materials Hazardous to Health" of the Geraan Research Association). 7 By total dust is here aeant the fraction of the dust which can be inhaled. It is determined with sampling apparatus at a suction rate 1.29 Vs * lQJt. A7) By fine dust is meant the dust passing into the alveoli. This comprises a body of dust passing a separator system jrhose action corresponds to the theoretical separation function of a sedimentation separator which separates up to 90J( of particles of aerodynamic diameter 9 /. SL 096395 50 Circulation , Dr J Stafford, DS0-107 I Dr J H Wilson, DSO-32Q Dr P P Manning, DS0-J20 Mr V Morris, DED, Runcorn (J copies) i Mr G Norcross, ICI Europa Limited (3 copies) Mr C G Jones, B-1 (3 copies) Library, Plastics Division, LIBR. Languages Unit, H-J/G.5 r SL 096396