Document rx9y2gj9v46EMVEmbYqQoqZ3J

I / The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. HZCEIVEQ JAN 2 3 1978 RECEIVED 355 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10017 (212) 573 9400 rc. W. LASHES JAM 30 *373 * N. WHEELER, JR. January 4, 1977 R C11 V E U JAN 12 1970 G* W. yule RECEIVED TO:' The PVC Safety Group - JAN 1 * 1978 Steering Committee Health Committee R. W. ANN0NI0 Manufacturing Technology Committee Gentlemen: Attached Is material which la being sent to ue by Mr. John Stafford of Imperial Chemical Industries Limited (ICI) of London, covering the regulations on vinyl chloride for Germany. You may wish to review It for comparison with our regulations in the same ares. Very truly yourn. U-/?. / John R. Lawrence Technical Director JRL:gm Attachment cc: J . E. Hadley, Jr. - Keller & Heckman G. H. Balsa - Beveridge, Fairbanks & Diamond M. Swetonic - Hill & Knovlton, Inc. \ 008094 ' PO Box NO 6 'Bessemer Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1 HD Telephone Welwyn Garden 23400 (STD Code 07073) STD Code from London Area 96 Telex 264251 Iclplest Welwyn Mr J Lawrence The Society of the Plenties Industry, Inc 355 Lexington Avenue New York New York 10017 USA received^*3 1378 Imperial Chemical Industries Limited Plastics Division Your ref. Our ref Tel ext Date Dear John JS/>UE/EE0-1O7 3162 29 December 1977 You may care to have the enclosed translation which we have made of a German vinyl chloride directive. It is not an easy document to work through and contains some quite extraordinary provisions, particularly the requirement laid down in 4.4 for a 40 ppm/5 minute alarm level. The Germans have a bee in their bonnets about this 5 minute alarm level and we are doing our best to get some medical/biological explanation of it from the mn who originated it. If I get any further information I will let you know. To those of us who havn been involved In arguing with the EBC draft directive on its way through the various stages of the Commission machinery some of the definitions given in tfiis document are familiar. Indeed this sort of German directive obviously played quite a part in the thinking of the Commission when they started out on thair draft directive which is still with the Council of Ministers Working Group and looks as if it will be there for some months yet. With best wishes >Yours sincerely a ^Stafford Division Manager Health & Environment Protection FREELANCE TRANSLATION Languages Unit/TR.15.063a/E3IGti/HDM 8 December 1977 BEBUFSGENOSSENSCHAFT DEE CHEMISCHKN INDUSTRIE* Directive No 2 VINYL CHLORIDE DIRECTIVE leaned 7.1977 DIRECTIVE ON MEASURES POE THE PREVENTION OF INJURY TO HEALTH IN THE HANDLING OF VINYL CHLORIDE CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 SCOPE 2 CURRENT REGULATIONS 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 9 POST AID 6 PRECAUTIONARY WORKS MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS APPENDIX li "TECHNXSCHB RICHIBNZSNTRAIICN"** TOE VINYL CHLnftTO AFmDU 2t EPHCT& OF VINYL CfflflRIMI PAGE 1 2 2 8 9 14 15 17 19 INTRODUCTION Characteristic illnoeess described as "vinyl chloride disease" have occurred aaoag insured persona in vinyl chloride producing and processing vorka, particularly in polynerination plant. Chwdcal Industry Enpleyars* Asaaciatian (particularly eaasaraad vith saploysra' liability insnranea) Y Thara ia aa direct equivalent far this in English. It la naaally referred ta by the abbreviation "TV. Rough translation* Technical Eaferenca Concentration. TVY' 008096 2 The following directive aata forth tb industrial hygiene precautions to bo obaarvsd in tho production and processing of vinyl ehlorida in ordar to prorant tbaaa illnaaaaa* 1 SCOPE Thia diroctivo applies to plant in which vinyl chlorldo (VC) is produced, rscoversd, transftrrsd, conveyed, convartad to nnshapad polymers barainaftar rofarrad to aa PVC - or otharvisa uaad. It alao appliaa to plant in which PVC is workad np or proeassad if insured parsons ara exposed to the offsets of vinyl ehlorida in the course of their duties. Thera ara no affaets from vinyl chloride if the conditions sat out under itsa 3 of Appendix 2f "Effects of vinyl chloride"f are satisfied. 2 CUHEENT BBGUIAIIOMS 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 Unfallvsrbiltungsvorschriften (Accident Prevention Escalations) of .the Bexafsfenossenachaft dor chaaiscbsn Industrie oat in particular be observed. Accident Prevention Be|alations Chapter 1 "General Provisions" (VBG l) Stction_4J (1) If insured persona era exposed to materials injurious to health, r pathogenic micro-organisms, vibrations, radiation, cold or heat or other influences injurious to health, the employer must, without prejudice t other legal provisions, determine the extent of the danger. If he is unable t ucc 008097 3 (2) Work in which the evolution of gases, vapours, fogs or dusts injurious to health in dangerous amounts cannot be avoided muat (i) be carried out in enclosed apparatus, or if this is technically impossible or unsuitable, (ii) the gases, vapours, fogs or dusts injurious to health must be safely extracted at their point of production or emission. If even this is impossible, the arena nost be suitably ventilated, if necessary artificially. Section -z Areas in which aaterials hazardous to health have been found likely to occur in dangerous concentrations or quantities nay only be entered by expressly authorised persons using the necessary safety precautions. For entry to autoclaves, special attention mat be paid to tbs beia Befahren von Behdltera" (Safety Precautions for Entry to Autoclaves). They are appended to the Uniallverhutungrvorschrift Abochnitt 1 "Allgeaeine Vornehriften" (Accident Prevention Begulati ns, e Caapter 1: General Provisions) UCC 008098 k Section 4 (1) If exposure of the insured persons to secident 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 ia 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 on sharp, pointed objects or from hot materials or hot or corrosive liquids. 3 Protective goggles or masks if there is a likelihood of eye or facial injuries from flying objects, liquid splashes or hazardous radiation.' 4 Breathing apparatus, if the insured persons may be exposed to gases, vapours, fogs or dusts which are injurious to health, in particular toxic, 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 damage or able to penetrate into the human body through the skin, or where there is a risk of burns, chemical burns, scalds, excessive chilling, electric shocks, penetrating wounds or cuts. UCC 008099 5 Accident Prevention Regulation* Chapter 1.2 "Silos and Bunkers", Section 12 (2) Silo* end bunkers in which geese* vapours or duets which are injurious to health, in particular, toxic, corrosive or irritant gaaes, vapours or dusts are present or can fora, or in which oxygen deficiency can occur, nay only be entered with breathing apparatus. Rule for the implementation of Section 12 Paragraph 2i This provision is satisfied if breathing epperatua tested by the Deutscher Ausscbuss fur Atomschutzgerato and permitted for the purpose in question is used. Is the event of oxygen deficiency, breathing apparatus operating independently of the aabient atnosphere aust be used. 3 GENERAL BEQUIREMWTS 3.1 The enployer must ensure that in plant is accordance with Section 1 this directive and the generally recognised rules of the art are observed as well as the existing regulations. Departures froa this directive are permissible if the same safety is ensured by other aeaas. 3.2 Adequate precautions must be taken for reducing the vinyl chloride concentration below the TBX value in all working areas. For details of tbs TRK values currently established see Appendix 1. Concentrations in the region of the TK era not detectable by odour. ucc 008100 6 3.3 The conduct of the insured poraona in troubla-fraa operation and in caa* of break-down muat ba laid down in a written operating annual. 3.4 Tba ineured persona * even those employed for abort perioda and occasionally aust be instructed of the danger of handling vinyl chloride, the safety provisions and the operating annual before they take up their duties. The instructions aoat be repeated at suitable intervals, but at least every six nonthe. Proof of this mist be furnished. 4 SAFETY FHECAUTIONS 4.1 Ventilation 4.1.1 No artificial ventilation precautions are usually necessary in out--door installations. 4.1.2 If eaission of vinyl chloride cannot bo prevented by artificial nathoda with plant in enclosed areas, observance of the requirements of Section 3*2 must be ensured by natural or artificial ventilation, depending on the type of structure. 4.1.3 With plant in which vinyl chloride caa escape as a result of the process it aoat be ensured by means of extractors that the vinyl chloride is led safely away at the points of eaission. For safety precautions in the cleaning of autoclaves see Section %.$ ucc 008101 7 4.2 Personal Protective Equipment 4.2.1 Breathing apparatus If vinyl chloride can eecape during maintenance and repair work suitable breathing apparatus oust be worn. Breathing apparatus Must be taken along when working in the vicinity of outlet apertures of safety and venting equipment. Rules for the proper use of suitable breathing equipment are contained in the "Ateascbutzmerkblatt" (ZE 1/134), (Breathing apparatus instructions) published by the Deutscber Ausschnss filr Ateaacbntagerete (German Breathing Apparatus Coomittee). In the event of oxygen deficiency, or excessive concentrations of injurious mterial, breathing apparatus operating independently of the ambient atmosphere is required. 4 The currently valid reports of the Deutaeher Ausschnss fur Ateascbutzgerfcte (German Breathing Apparatus Coaaittee) give information on breathing apparatus which has been tested and declared * suitable by the German Breathing Apparatus Conittee. 4.2.2 Body protection - miscellaneous personal protective equipment. To avoid direct contact of the skin with liquid vinyl chloride or unstripped crude polymer suitable protective equipment, eg body protection, goggles or masks must he von. ucc 008102 8 4.3 Concentration Meaauraaonta 4.3.1 The Tinyl chloride concentration in the working area met be aonitored 87 cuitabla teet nethode. A written record of the teat reeulta, eg teat etripe, hourly averagee, mat be aaintainod and kept for at leant 2 yearn. The monthly and yearly average figurea for each working area moat be kept for 20 yeara. The ease holda for break-downa. For the uaa of nuitable teat ayataaa eorreaponding to the atate of the art and for the evaluation of the teat--reaulta reference in nade to the "KAMJB--Arheltablatt uber Vinylehlorid-Meaatechnik4 ("RDC work--aheet on vinyl chloride teat aathode11) (in preparation) and to the Techniache Kegel (Technical Regulation) "Meaaplanung, atatiatiacha Beurteilung" ("Planning of teata, atatiatlcal evaluation") (in preparation)* Unaelective teat ayateaa nay only be naed if the aeaanred value f r the ran of all the coapounda doea not exceed the applicable Halting value for vinyl chloride, or if the value of tho baae-level conaiating of other coapounda ia Aeaonatrated* o 4.3.2 The maber and location of the teat pointa uuat be ao aelected that . the reaulta of the teata give a repreaeatatlve picture of the concentration in tho whole of the working area. Whether taating anat be continoaua or dlaeoatinaoua mat be decided ea the baeia of the production proceaa, the apatial relatione and the ventilation procedurea need* ucc 008103 9 In working nrona of plant for tho production of vinyl chlorido polymers in enclosed buildings discontinuous concentration measurements are not generally adequate. 4.3.3 If discontinuous measurements are adequate the time intervals between the measurements must be laid down in the operating manual so that tbs average value of tbe vinyl chloride concentration can be determined with sufficient accuracy. Tbe 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 Break-downs If the vinyl chloride concentration in a working area rises to mors than 40 ppm this mast be signalled by an automatic alarm within at most 5 min* The working area must then be evacuated isediately or breathing apparatus must be worn. Vith break-downs lasting more than 3 minutes the canoe of the break-down must be discovered and the precautions of Section 4*3.1 most be taken* The naming is only logical where plant conditions require continuous measurement of vinyl chloride* 4.5 Safety Precautions in Cleaning Polymerisation Autoclaves Plant and processes must be so designed that cleaning operations in the autoclaves are required as rarely as possible. Hand cleaning operations must be substantially excluded. ucc 008104 10 4.5.1 Mechanised Cleaning Without Entering tha Autoclay 4.5.1.1 Cleaning equipment, for eranple aeehanically driven spray equipment, suet as far as possible ba introduced into tha vessel by mechanical means and oparatad from autaida with tha manhole covered. 4.5.1.2 If classing equipment, ag hand-held spray equipment, la uaad with ths nan-hole open. it nit ba ansurad by saltabla prscaatioaa before opening tba autoclave. ag by evacuation, washing with eater, ventilation. and tha wearing of breathing apparatus that the operator is aot exposed to vinyl chloride concentrations above tha TBK. 4.5.2 4.5.2.1 Hanna1 Cleaning where the Autoclave anat ba Entered Before annual cleaning, save where provided by Section 4.5.2.2, noehaniaed cleaning anat ba carried eat in accordance with Section 4.5.1. 4.5*2.2 If acdaniaad cleaning is iupoesibla because ef procesa factors. eg in bulk polyaeriaation or with faulty batches, mutual cleaning any be curried out. Since vinyl chloride my be liberated frcn gaseous inclusions la the buildup in cleaning or rocleaning, ths following precautions mot be taken. 4.5.2.2.1 Before entry and during work inside than the autoclaves asst be ventilated. The extent and conduct ef the ventilation Hist be such that the TBK is aot exceeded in any part ef the autoclave during the work inside it. IJCC 008105 11 This requiranent ia aatiafied if that* ara not laaa than 30 chaagea of air par boar. la tha general caaa tba air will ba extracted Iron the bottoa tha veasel. I thia nuaber of chaagaa of air ia not achieved tba Tinyl cblorida concentration must ba continuously monitored by chock measurements. If a VC concentration of 40 ppm ia exceeded tba employees Boat immediately arsenate tba autoclaves or vaar broathine apparatus. 4.3*2.2.2 If it ia impossible to achieve mines below tha TSK by changing tba air ag with faulty batches, breathing apparatus iudapandant of tba aabiant atmosphere mat ba worn. Tba aaaa appliaa to cleaning with solvents. 4.5.2.3 Tba time apant inaida must ba limited. Tha tiaa apaut inaida shall not ozcaad 4 hours in two consecutive shifts for say aemployee. 4.3.2.4 In all mnnel work ia autoclaves sturdy protective gloves and sturdy aboaa mat bo warn. 3 POST AID 3.1 If inaurad paraons handling vinyl cblorida reaplain about health disturbances a doctor mat ba consulted imediately* Tba doctor mat ba infoxmd that tba patient baa been working with vinyl cblorida. ucc 008106 12 5.2 la acute vinyl chloride poisoning the victim mat be brought into tho fresh air or a well-ventilated room aa aooa aa poaaibla. Garaanta contaminated vitb vinyl chloride must ba takaa off and removed from tho room. To avoid chilla tho victim auat bo wrapped up, A doctor mat ba called isnediately. 5.3 The victim auat ba laid on hia aide and supported in that position(otherwise there la a danger of euffocation)* If pooaible ha ahonld not ba left unattended. 5. A If the patient la not breathing. Artificial reapixation mat be administered ixmedlately by suitable means, if possible by moutb*to-mouth r moutb-to-ooee resuscitation. If oxygen breathing apparatus ie available, further resuscitation must bo continued with this. If circulation has stopped, external heart massage mast be carried out in addition. However, the latter must only be carried out by First-Alders who have received special instructions in this method. The life-eeving measures must be continued during transport or until a doctor arrives. 5.9 Unconscious persons must not be given any liquids* 6 FHECAXJTIGKAHX WUCS MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS If there is a likelihood that insured persona will be exposed te the effects of vinyl chloride in the course of their duties, the employer my employ in his pleat and departmentaccording to Section 1 only insured persona who have been examined by an authorised doctor before employment and at the prescribed intervals daring their employment and for whom there la a certificate that there are no health objections to their employment. The selection of tho insured persons to be emmiaed mat be based on the ucc 008107 13 Tha exaainatioaa mat ba carriad out in accordance with "Dar Gnmdaatz Hir arbeitinedisiniaebe Voraorgeunterfachnngeii bat Eisvirfcuag von Vinylchiorid" ("Foadaaantala ot Precautionary Work* Medical Exaainationa vhare thara ara effect* from vinyl chloride") pabllabad by tha Bamfaganoeaanacbaft dar chaaiechtn Indnatrla, Haidalbarg. * Translator'* notai Tba vorda "bai Eimrirkung von." do not appear in tha text bat bava baaa raatorad frea tha caaplata titla givan in Appendix 2. ucc 008108 APPENDIX 1 14 THE TBK FOR VINYL CHLORIDE* A value of 2 ppa wee laid down on 1*7*77* ae the TEX value. The concentration out not on average ozeood throo tiaee the TBK value for period of one honr. Thin 'value applioo in particular to working areae ini- fa) the production (newly built plant) recovery, torage, txmnefer, conveying and uoe of vinyl chloride aonoaer. (b) the eonvereion of vinyl chloride to unehaped vinyl chloride polyaera (newly erected PVC production plant). (c) the handling of unehaped vinyl chloride polyaere and their aoulding coaponnda. A TEX value of 5 pja hae boon laid down for ezioting plant for producing vinyl chloride aonoaMr and eziating planta for producing PVC. EXPLANATIONS1^ The TEX valueo are to be underatood an yearly average valuee fey a daily ezpoeure generally not ezeeeding S houra and not longer than 40 houra weekly or in feur-ahift working 42 houra per weak aa au average of four eucceeaive ahifte. . Deciaion of the Auaacbuaa ft&r gefahrliche Arbelteetoffe Arbeitaecfauts (1977)* No 6* p 128 ucc 008109 16 APPENDIX 2 EFFECTS OF VINYL CHLORIDE The definition of the ten "effect" which applies ie in essence the general definition laid down bp the Ansscbusa fur gefahrliche Arbeitsstoffe (Hazardous Materials Conittee), published in Arbeitsscbuts 5/74 p 170, which reads aa followei- "An effect within the neaning of the Order suet be accused wherever there ie a risk of a hazardous notarial causing acute or chronic injury to health, in particular if 1) the concentration Measured in the workplace ie repeatedly found not to be below the nxisus concentration for the workplace and/or 2) the results of detezsiaatiose of the nterial or its Metabolites in the body or body fluids of the eaployee or other nodical investigations denonstzate that under the existing working conditions and in the light of our knowledge of industrial fygiene and toxicology there is a likelihood of aa injury to health. An offset within the Meaning of this Order is not to be assuaed if on the basis of sufficient Medical or industrial experience the risk of injury to health docs not exist. In handling carcinogenic fctcriala the presence of aa effect suet be supposed as a rule. ucc 008110 15 The concentration nay not on avorago exceed three timao the TDK value for a period of 1 hour* Tbne a limit ie aleo placed on peak lerelai the aaplitadee of fluctuation of the concentration of injurious smterial are taken into account at the eaae time. The decisive factors for fixing the TBK value arei- the ability to determine the concentration of the injurious mterial in the region of the TBK value. - the current technical state of the process and ventilation precauti ns having regard to what is vithin technical reach in the near future. - that present knowledge of industrial hygiene is not Inconsistent with it. ucc 008111 17 If there ie likelihood of insured persons being exposed to the effects of vinyl chloride during their duties they Bust undergo precautionary works medicsl examinations in Accordance with No 21 of Suppleaont 2 ' to Section 50 No 1 of the UW (Unfallverhntungsvorschriftea, Accident Prevention Uegulations). The first re-examination east take place 6 to 12 aonths after the first exaainationt further re-examinations after 12 to 2k nonths. The examinations must be mde by authorised doctors having regard to "Der Grundsata fur arbeitsmedisinischo Vorsorgeuntersucfanngen bei Einvirkung von Vinylchlorid", published by the Berufsgenossensehaft der chemischen Industrie. A guide to the selection of the group of persons to be examined is given by the following Mterial-related definition of the term "Effect of vinyl chloride". Physico-chemical Properties of Vinyl Chloride Vinyl chloride (monochloroetbylene) under normal conditions is a colourless, readily flaMsble gas with a faint sveetiah odour. At 760 Hg it condenses at -1%C to a colourless, mobile liquid. Vinyl chloride is readily soluble la 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 gaseous and liquid stats and nom*corroaive. The chemical reactions of vinyl chloride are restricted almost *) In preparation ucc 008112 exclusively to the reaction of the double bond. The chlorine aton, the second functional group, can only be replaced vith great difficulty. The ost important property of vinyl chloride ie its ability to polyaeriso. Fomilas Melting pointt Boiling point! Density at 20C, Vapour-density (air l)i Vapour-pressure at 20Ci Explosive limits in ain CH2 a CHC1 - 154C - 14C 0.91 g/ca3 2.16 2,580 n Bg 3.8 - 29.3* r/r 95 - 770 g/n? Because of its carcinogenic action vinyl chloride is no longer given an MAK value. For this reason the Aueschuas for Gefthrliche Arbeitsstoffe (Hazardous Materials Coasittee) has laid down a THE value for vinyl chloride. For existing VC- and PVC- production plant this is 5 ppn or 13 ng/a3 and for other plant 2 ppa or 3 ag/a3. (TRgA 102, published in "Arbeitsschutz" 6/77, pp 127-128). Msterial-related definition of the term "Effect of vinyl chloride"*. 1 An offset of vinyl chlorldo is in general to bo assumed vfaere vorfc vith vinyl chloride or vinyl chloride-containing aaterials is carried out and vinyl chloride is absorbed by inhalation or there is contact of the skin vith liquid vinyl chloride, if the conditions sot out in Nos 3 or 4 bolov do not apply* * ucc 008113 19 2 An effect of vinyl chloride or vinyl chloride-containing materials is in particular to bo osouBtd for the modes of operation, jobs or activitiss mentioned in the Appendix, or modes of operation, jobs or activities comparable vith these. 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 activities* 3.1 if it is demonstrated by years of experience of industrial hygiene including the available data on exposure - that no injury to the health of employees from vinyl chloride baa occurred and none is to be expected if the vorking conditions remain the same. 3*2 if, failing such industrial hygiene experience, it is demonstrated, 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 my not exceed an average value of 6 ppm (See alee on this point the Teehaische Regel (Technical Rule) TBgA 102 to the Arbeitsstoffverordnung (Vorking Materials Order), published in "Arbeitsscfauts** 6/77, pp 127-128). For the planning and carrying out of the tests and the statistical evaluation of the data in relation te the question of whether or not the limits are exceeded the currently valid Teehaische Segeln (Technical Rules) mut be followed. See Teehaische Regel "Messplamag and statistische Beurteiluag" (Planning of tests and statistical evaluation, in preparation). ucc 008114 20 In PVC processing plant tha value nay ba aasuasd to bo safely balow tha abovsHaantioned value - so tbnt coscantratlon neasuraasnta any ns n ruls ba oaittsd - if v astarials # containing lasa than 20 ng vinyl chlorida aonoosr par kg of polyvinyl chlorida ara nsad and appropriata ventilation pracantiona ara takan* 4 Short-term or occasional exposure to vinyl chlorida or vinyl chloridacontaining oatarials can signify tha abssnca of an offset, 4.1 There in ehort-tera axposnra if tha working araaa ara antarad for not nors than half an hoar a day. In thin cans tha avaxaga valua of tha vinyl chlorida concsntxation in tha araa any not axcaad 15 ppa and thara Mat ba no diraot contact with liquid vinyl chlorida. Typioal aaaplas af short-tera azposura ara patrals by inspection, eupervisory, aaintananoa or Maagement paraomal and repair work by czmftsaan on pravianaly cleaned apparatus. 4.2 Thara la aacaaional exposure if tha working araaa ara only rarely antarad. In this case tha avaxaga value af tha vinyl chlorida concentration in tha aablsnt air My net axcaad 15 ppm and thara oat bo no direct contact with liquid vinyl chloride. * Translators notai Presnably. The unit is omitted in the original. See attached passage frea Slchere Chamioarbelt (p 58) where the "kg" la given. ucc 008115 21 Typical emnples of occasional exposure or* visits to factories and vork-placea by works doctors, aafaty engineers, inspectors, cuatoners or visitors. Work by craftsaen vbich is not directly connected vith production or processing is to be treated under the regaining provisions f Paragraph 1 as occasional exposure up to 4 weeks per annua. Typical emaples of this are painting of walla and ceilings, laying eleetrie cable and lighting fixtures, installation of a new plant. APFQiDIX TO HEN 2 There is likslihood of an effect in plant for the production, polymerisation or other use of vinyl chloride and in working areas in which vinyl chloride can arise in significant quantities Iron intermediate or final products. (see also 3.2). There is, in particular, likelihood of an effect with jobs (including longwtem cleaning and repair work) in the following sreasi a* Vinyl chloride production Vinyl chloride transfer equipment Polyvinyl chloride production, including the following vorfeeip plenti Emulsion and buspension tank installations Centrifuges Driers Bagging equipment (if in the same building as the wextocip plant) Intermediate store for JVC S**i-technical plant. ucc 008116 FEESLANCE TRANSLATION Languages Uait/TB..15.063b/EaG-a/HDM 21 Novenber 1977 22 SICHSBS CHEMIEABBEIT P 218111 XXIX.8.1977. PP 57-60 (BULLETIN OP THE BSBUPSGINOSSaiSCHAPT DEE CHSMISCHEN INDUSTRIE) CHANGES IN THE VINYL CHLORIDE DIRECTIVE The Board of tho Berufegenossensefaeft dor cbeaiechen Iadaotrlo boa ilecided to oaoad tho "Ricbtlinien ttber Scbutt.woasnabaen our Verbhtuag von Geeundheitssehaden boia Uagang ait Vinylchlorid" (Vinylchlorid-ichtlinias) ("Directive oa safety precautions for preventing daaago to boaltb in tho handling of vinyl cblorido" (Vinyl Cblorido Directive)). Tbo new directive coaon into foreo oa 1*7*77* Tbo changes ia tbo previously cnrroat Vinyl Cblorido Directive have boeoao nacaaaary for tbo following roaaoao* 1 Tbo Auaachusa fttr gefdbrlichs Arbeitsstoffe (Hasardous Materials CoHittoo) baa decided on a aov TEX value for vinyl chloride* which applies froa 1. 7.77. 2 The provisions of tbs Unfallverbntuagavorschrlft Absehaitt 1 "AllgMoino Verscbrlften" (Accident Provoatioa Regulations Chapter 1 "General Provioi ns") sot out ia Section 2 "Current Regulations" of tbs vinyl cblorido directive aust bo replaced by tbo corresponding provisions of the Accident Prevention Regulations which apply, froa 1*4*77* UCC 008117 23 3 Breakdown* in vhieh a permissible VC concentration ia exceeded naad to ba subject to regulation*. The important change* relate to tha following aactionat In Saction 1, "Scop*", tba applicability of tba directive to plant in which FVC ia finiabod and procaaaad ia aimed at th* effect* of vinyl chloride. In general there are only very few working area* in the** plant* affected by vinyl chloride. There ia no effect from vinyl chloride if th* condition* aet out under numbered item 3 of Appendix 2 "Effect* of vinyl chloride" are aatiafied. In Section 2, "Current Regulation*", a* already stated, th* provision* f th* Unfallverfantungavorachriften Abachnitt 1 "Allgamein* Vorachriften" (Accident Prevention Regulation* Chapter 1* "General Prevlaiona") which apply from l.h.77. have been incorporated. Section 3.2 ha* been amended in that the aim of protection ia new specified a* th* redaction of the VC concentration below the TRK value. The requirement for th* monthly and yearly average values for aach working area to b* kept for at l*a*t 20 year* ba* boon newly incorporated in Section b.3.1. Th* aame applies to bra*kdewn*. Th* test result*, eg test strip*, hourly averagos, on th* other hand only need t* be kept for at least 2 year*. ucc 008118 24 In respect of the Appropriate toot system in accordance with the state of the art reference is node to tho "Nomur-Arbeitsblatt iiber Vinylchlorid Messtechnik"ond the Technlecho SageIn "Massplaming, statietieche Beurteilung" ('Nomr Work sheet on vinyl chloride test methods" and Technical Bale "Planning of tests, statistical evaluation"), vhich are both in preparation. In addition, this oection sets out the conditions under vhich non-eelective test~systems my be used for aeasuring tho vinyl chloride concentration. Section 4.4 "Breakdowns" has been-newly incorporated in the directive. The tost~systea vast be so adjusted that if the vinyl chloride concentration exceeds 40 ppa in a working area an alarm is given autonatically after not aore than 5 ninates. A further note mat be drawn ap on those regulations giving suggestions of how this requirement may be satisfied with the test systems installed. Section 4.9.2.2.1, which corresponds to previous Section 4.4.2.2.1, goes further and bus been re-worded, since the extent and conduct of the ventilation during the cleaning work in the autoclaves must be such that tho IDE value is not exceeded in say part of the autoclave* 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 chock mss snrsments. If a VC concentration of 40 ppm is exceeded the employees must imediately evacuate the autoclave or wear breathing apparatus. ucc 008119 25 The wording of Section 6 "Precautionary Work* Medical Eraainations" bee been adapted to Section IV "Arbaltsaedlsialscbe Vorsorge" ("Industrial Hygiene") in the Unfallverbdtnagevorschrlft Abaebnitt 1 "Allgaaelne Voracbriften" (Accident Prevention Regulations, Chapter 1."General Provisions"). Appendix 1 "Tecbniacbe Bicbtkonzentration fur Vinylcblorid" (Tecbnical Reference Concentration for vinyl chloride) baa been aaended in accordance with the new THE valuea of 5 ppa for existing VC and PVC production plant and 2 ppa for all other plant, which apply froa 1.7*77* The "Effecta of vinyl chloride" baa been added to the directive ae an Appendix. EFFECTS OP V1NTL CHLORIDE SEUSCTIW OF THE GROUP OP FEHSCK3 TO BS EXAMINED Vinyl chloride disease has occurred for acae years in the Genu Federal Republic in seaM plants in tba VC/PVC producing indnatry. In the present state of oar knowledge tbia oeenrrenca was to ho escribsd to tba high concentrotione of vinyl eblorido aonoaar in the aabient elr of these plants. After drastic redaction of tbo concentration of vinyl chloride aonnaer in the oablent air of the plaate concerned by ebeervlag the direetlve "YiaylehlorlcMttefctlialoa" (Vinyl Chloride Direetlve) published by the Beruisgeaoeseaachatt dor choadechea Industrie, there it a reasonable hope that if all the safety precautions are observed present working conditi as ay ae longer canoe daaage to health. J AA 008120 26 On the first uni of sickness becoming known the StnitgonoaitMcte.lt dor cbeaiacten Induatrio laid tte iouadatiOM for special precautionary worka nodical emolnatioM, is which tte iaaurod poraoaa crpoood to tte . offacta, ofwinyl chloride aro ezaainad. At with all otter aatoriala injurious to health and texardooa actiTitioa tbo quaation ariaoa with inyl cblozido of tte aoloctioa of tte group of portent to bo exaained. Za fntaro apocifio doflaitioM of tte tora Moffoot" will bo a goido to tte nployer roapoMiblo for tbia matter* A panal of worka doctora, tacbnologiata, toxicologiata and roprotoatatiwoo of BonfagonoaaoMctefton and public bodioa will glwo tbo anployor froa tbair azport knowlodgo aoggoatioaa for tbo aoloctioa of tte croup of poraoaa to bo Such a definition now oxiata for tte offacta of rinyl cblorida* Tbo group of poraoaa to bo oaainod ia mialy to bo aeugbt aaong tboat oaployod in VC or PTC production plant ia which Ttnyl cblorida diaoaao tea occurrod in tte paat. Ewan in tbia area, howorar, a coaeontxation of loaa than 2 ppn.in tteanhient air ox brief or occaaional ozpoauro my juatify diaponaing with tte carrying out of precautionary worka nodical omainatiOM. Ttero. will tbaroforo alao bo working araaa in tte PTC procoaaing iadaatry in which* bocanto of proaont working conditiona* apodal precautionary worka nodical oiawinatlona are uaaacoaaary* If bowewor* peraoaaal aro employed who bawo earlier boon expeaed to fairly high -vinyl chloride coacoatratioaa, , their, ata^e. of health, mat contipne to be aonitored by aubaequaat zaainatione. * # p J1* J . * ' . * .* * Practical experience baa obowa that apedal procautioaary worka nodical azaalnatioM aro in princlplo uanactsaary in plant of tbo PTC procoaaing induatry. Ttero ia a rafaroaca to tte conditiona nacaaaary for tbia in itan 3.2 of tte definition of "affect". Plant la which a raw mtarial (PVC powder r gxanaloa) la proeaaaodt wheat producer guarantee! a content of loos than ucc 008121 27 20 ng of vinyl chloride per kg of PVC, my dispense vith precautionary works nodical aginations. This statement is bassd on ths fact that if ths ventilation prscautiona usual in this plant ars mintainsd ths vinyl chlorids concentration in ths working arsa is eortainly bslow 2 ppn. If ths prodncsr cannot goarantss ths above-mentioned vinyl chlorids level. nsasursBsnts of tbs concentration in ths ambient air oust bs mds in ths PTC procsssing plant. If as a result, it is not certain that ths vinyl chlorids in the ambient air is bslow 2 ppm, safety precautions an^or special precautionary works nodical exaad.nations are nscsssary. Ths competent technical inspector will advise on questions connected vith this. It mat be clearly stated that vinyl chloride disease does not occur on working with the finished PVC plastic. If this plastic is subjected to hot working (eg welding) hydrogen chloride my bs split off by thsrml decomposition. The problems connected with this my bs safely overcome by ventilation and have nothing to do vith vinyl chlorids disease. ^Ths bottom half of p 58 and the top half of p 59* which have been reproduced in the body of ths text, (pp 17-21) are not repeated here!] ucc 008122 28 HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS NEW TEK VALUES The Ausschuss fd'r gefAhrliche Arbeitastoffs (AgA) (Hazardous Materials Coanittae) Id ita aaaaiea of 17.3.77. inter alia approved the new tart of Techniacbe Bagel (Technical Bala. TBgA) 102 "Techniacha Bichtkonzantration (TEK) Mr geffchrliche Arbaitaatoffa" ("Technical Bafarasea Concentrations for hazardous rateriala") (Saa Arbeiteacbutz 6/1977), TBK Liat Material P*" TEK ,, ag/n Notes Araanie and ita compounds (except arainal)) Asbestos*^ Cbxyaotilaf Aaoaita Fine dnat^ containing aabaatoa (chxysotila, aaoaita) Bansana Nickel and ita compounds (except nickel carbonyl*)) Nickel electrolysis and plating baths Othexviaa Vinyl chloride Exiating VC and IVC prodnetion plant Otherwise ' 0.2 Calculated aa As in total dust 0.1 or 2 fibres/ Aabaatoa aa fine duat^ Definite of fibrai Length > 5 pm Disaster 3 pm Length Disaster > 31 4.0 Fine dnat^ 8 26 mm 0.03 Calculated aa Ni in total dnst3) 0.5 M II II 5 13 25 see 1) Thara are MAX values for thia terial. 21' Tha TBK values for fine aabaatoa duat and fine asbestos-containing doat vara worked out by tha "Kovlasioa aur Pr&fung gesandhsitsgefKhrlicher Arbaitaatoffa" dar Daatacban Forscbungageaeinachaft (tha "Coaaittaa for Testing Materiala Haaardons to Health" of tha Genaa Baaaareh Aaaociation), ^ By total duat is hara -aeant tha fraction of tha doat which can bo inhaled. Zt ia determined with aaapling apparatna at a auction rata 1.2? m/3 - 10. k'\ By flna duat ia aaant tha duat passing into tha alTooli. Thia eoapriaea a body of dnat passing a aeparator ayatan whoaa action corraaponda to tha theoretical aaparation function of a sedimentation aeparator which aapazmtaa up to 30J( of partiolaa of aarodynanic disaster 5 pm* ucc 008123 29 EXPLANATIONS The TBK values are to be understood aa yearly average valuta for a daily exposure generally not exceeding 8 boura and not longer than 40 boura weekly or in foux^shift working 42 boura per week aa an average of four aueceaaive abifte. The concentration aay not on average exceed three tinea the TBK value for a period of 1 hour* Thus a limit is also placed on peak levelai the amplitudes of fluctuation of the concentration of injurious Material are taken into account at the sane tine. The decisive factors for fixing the TBK value ares- - the ability to determine the concentration of the injurious Material in the region of the TBK value - the current technical state of the process and ventilation precautions having regard to what is within technical reach in the near future. - that present knowledge of industrial hygiene is not inconsistent with it. While the general definition of the ten Teehnische Biehtkensentration (Technical Reference Concentration) in this TBgA has been taken over unchanged fron TBgAlOl "Definitions"* a list of TBK values has been newly incorporated. The explanations of the TBK values have also been newly devised. ucc 008124 30 Circulation Dr J Stafford, DS0-107 Dr J H Wilson, DSO-32O Dr P P Manning, DSO-32O Mr V Morris, DED, Huncorn (3 copies) Mr G Norcross, ICI Europe Limited (3 copies) Mr C G Jones, B-1 (3 copies) Library, Plastics Division, LIBB. Languages Unit, H-J/G.5 ucc 008125