An exposure assessment of a laboratory assistant to hazardous chemical substances
Date
2009Author
Franken, Anja
Eloff, Frederik C.
Du Plessis, Johan L.
Van Aarde, Michiel Nico
Laubscher, Petrus J.
Franken, Anja
Eloff, Frederik C.
Du Plessis, Johan L.
Van Aarde, Michiel Nico
Laubscher, Petrus J.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
A survey was conducted to measure exposure to hazardous chemical substances of a laboratory
assistant working in a university laboratory, who complained of symptoms that could be indicative of
chemical absorption. This case study describes the survey to quantify the exposure in order to determine
whether it exceeded safety limits and recommend preventative measures if indicated. Exposure
was sampled using a direct reading photo-ionization detector and coconut charcoal sorbent tubes. An
additive effect between the different hazardous chemicals was identifi ed. The 8-hour TWA exposure
to acetone and dichloromethane was well below the occupational exposure limits, but was more than
double the OEL-RL for chloroform. It was also likely that the OEL-STEL for dichloromethane (methylene
chloride) was exceeded. Immediate removal for medical assessment and improved preventative
measures were recommended.
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- Faculty of Health Sciences [2377]