Tyson Foods was recently fined over $263,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for, in part, endangering workers by exposing them to peracetic acid without providing personal protective equipment (PPE). But, environmental, health and safety (EHS) managers at meat and poultry processing facilities are not the only ones who should worry about peracetic acid. Today we will explore recent developments in the regulation of peracetic acid and tips for handling peracetic acid in the workplace. Tomorrow we will offer tips for handling spills and protecting workers from exposure to the chemical.
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What is peracetic acid?
Peracetic acid, CAS# 79-21-0, is used as a disinfectant. It is on OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.119 Appendix A List of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, Toxics and Reactives. In addition to being on a number of environmental regulatory lists, peracetic acid is registered as an antimicrobial pesticide with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to OSHA, peracetic acid can cause burns and respiratory illness if not handled safely.
Where is peracetic acid used?
Workplaces where peracetic acid is used include:
· Meat and poultry processing plants
· Dairy and cheese processing plants
· Healthcare facilities
· Food establishments
· Beverage plants, including breweries and wineries
· Paper and pulp facilities
· Water treatment facilities
· Cooling water towers
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is in the process of evaluating whether to develop an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value for peracetic acid. Note: An IDLH value is the maximum (airborne concentration) level above which only a highly reliable breathing apparatus providing maximum worker protection is permitted.
According to NIOSH’s draft IDLH value profile an IDLH value of 1.7 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) over 30 minutes is recommended for peracetic acid.
10 Tips for handling and storing peracetic acid
If peracetic acid is used in your workplace, as an EHS manager, you are charged with protecting your workers from exposure. Here are some tips, gleaned from perusing a number of safety data sheets (SDSs) for handling and storing peracetic acid that will help prevent worker exposure.
Tip 1. Store in a well-ventilated area.
Tip 2. Keep at temperatures not exceeding 86ºF.
Tip 3. Protect from direct sunlight.
Tip 4. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition such as steam pipes, radiant heaters, hot air vents, or welding sparks.
Tip 5. Do not store on wooden pallets.
Tip 6. Keep containers tightly closed.
Tip 7. Avoid damage to containers. There is a risk of container decomposition by heat or by contact with incompatible materials. In case of decomposition, isolate the container, douse with cool water and dilute with large volumes of water.
Tip 8. Store containers of peracetic acid at least 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) or by a 4-hour fire-resistant wall from oxidizing agents or corrosives.
Tip 9. Do not store containers of peracetic acid in the same space (i.e., within 10 meters or 32.ft 10 in.) as explosives, flammable gases, liquids or solids, compressed or poisonous gases, spontaneous combustibles, dangerous when wet materials, poisons, or radioactive materials.
Tip 10. Empty drums as thoroughly as possible and triple rinse drums before disposal.
Check tomorrow’s Advisor for some tips to protect your workers from exposure to peracetic acid and what to do in case of a spill.