These effects were above the level requiring a hazard classification according to the Worksafe Australia’s Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances (9). The highest occupational exposure is excpected to occur during blending operations. Skin and eye exposure is possible during drum connecting and mixing; blending tanks are normally open but well guarded. The mode of use of the notified chemical indicates that a high health risk through occupational exposure to the chemical is unlikely in spite of a hazardous toxicological profile. The potential for skin and eye irritation is the most likely occupational health and safety concern. The use of suitable skin and eye protection during handling of the product containing the notified chemical and where there is splashing from the blending mixer, should reduce this. Since quality control inspections, disconnecting lines during drum filling of blended products and maintenance of pumps and tanks are carried out for intermittent, short periods of time and product contains very small amount of the notified chemical following mixing (0.3 to 0.18%), workers will normally only be exposed to small amounts of the notified chemical. Based on the above information it is considered that the notified chemical will not pose an undue risk to occupational health when used in the circumstances described by the notifier. The notified chemical will be used as a surface acting in fire fighting foam to be used by fire-fighters. Minimal public exposure may result following contact with accidental spills or following use as a fire-fighting foam. The main route of exposure in these situations would be dermal, and possibly ocular and inhalation. The probability of public exposure is minimised by the recommended practices during storage and transportation. RECOMMENDATIONS To minimise occupational exposure to the notified chemical the following guidelines and precautions should be observed: Safety goggles should be selected and fitted in accordance with Australian Standards (AS) 1336 (14) to comply with Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1337 (15); Industrial clothing should conform to the specifications detailed in AS 2919 (16); Impermeable gloves or mittens should conform to AS 2161 (17); All occupational footwear should conform to AS/ANZ 2210 (18);
These effects were above the level requiring a hazard classification according to the Worksafe Australia’s Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances (9). The highest occupational exposure is excpected to occur during blending operations. Skin and eye exposure is possible during drum connecting and mixing; blending tanks are normally open but well guarded. The mode of use of the notified chemical indicates that a high health risk through occupational exposure to the chemical is unlikely in spite of a hazardous toxicological profile. The potential for skin and eye irritation is the most likely occupational health and safety concern. The use of suitable skin and eye protection during handling of the product containing the notified chemical and where there is splashing from the blending mixer, should reduce this. Since quality control inspections, disconnecting lines during drum filling of blended products and maintenance of pumps and tanks are carried out for intermittent, short periods of time and product contains very small amount of the notified chemical following mixing (0.3 to 0.18%), workers will normally only be exposed to small amounts of the notified chemical. Based on the above information it is considered that the notified chemical will not pose an undue risk to occupational health when used in the circumstances described by the notifier. The notified chemical will be used as a surface acting in fire fighting foam to be used by fire-fighters. Minimal public exposure may result following contact with accidental spills or following use as a fire-fighting foam. The main route of exposure in these situations would be dermal, and possibly ocular and inhalation. The probability of public exposure is minimised by the recommended practices during storage and transportation. RECOMMENDATIONS To minimise occupational exposure to the notified chemical the following guidelines and precautions should be observed: Safety goggles should be selected and fitted in accordance with Australian Standards (AS) 1336 (14) to comply with Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1337 (15); Industrial clothing should conform to the specifications detailed in AS 2919 (16); Impermeable gloves or mittens should conform to AS 2161 (17); All occupational footwear should conform to AS/ANZ 2210 (18);