- March 2, 2020
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Blogs
In the workplace, the use of hazardous substances or mixtures is a common everyday occurrence, so thinking and acting safely is nothing new. When it comes to personal and environmental safety, this really is a priority. In the case of Bisphenol A (BPA), the issue is even more sensitive due to the risks posed by the product and its wide use in today’s industry.
Therefore, how do we ensure our safety whilst handling, storing or disposing of the product?
As BPA is a solid, airborne BPA will usually be in the form of a dust. Depending upon the particle size, BPA may form a combustible dust. According to the NFPA definition, a combustible dust is a “finely divided solid material 420 microns or smaller in diameter” (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-12-27). What this means is that below this particle size, BPA may be a fire or explosion hazard.
When handling BPA in the workplace, any dust must be extracted at its source, through the use of an adequate means of local exhaust ventilation (LEV), as recommended by regulatory bodies such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In addition, any source of intense heat or ignition should be avoided, and the risk of static charge emissions need to be eliminated. The use of vacuums or antistatic tool is recommended. These same considerations should apply to any part of the process in accordance with the technical and safety criteria for the product.
The physical and chemical properties of BPA also mean that we should consider any issues with static when storing the product, due to the higher risk of fire or explosion. In any case, it is crucial to maintain an inert atmosphere at all times (https://www.bisphenol-a.org/pdf/BPA%20Handling%20Guide%20-%20Single%20Page%20Layout%20-%20February%202013.pdf).
For the same reason, disposal must strictly comply with the local, national and international regulations that are applicable to this type of product or any other products containing BPA. So while there are general recommendations, there may be specific regulations in each country or locality that define how to dispose of BPA-contaminated wastes safely. Disposal needs to comply with all applicable international standards, as well as with federal / national, state / provincial, local laws and regulations, and / or other country-specific guidelines or regulatory requirements.
It is imperative that, at all times and circumstances, the workers exposed to BPA must use the personal protective equipment (PPE) described in the respective regulations and provided by their employers. Such equipment includes eye protection, full body protection and safety boots among others. We will look at the PPE recommended when using BPA in the next article of this series.
Training the workforce about safe handling, storage and disposal of BPA in the workplace is imperative and should be provided by all employers in an appropriate language so that the workers understand the hazards relating to the product they are working with. Additionally, labeling of any packaging or process containers should be correct and in line with the regulations to avoid accidents. Employers must ensure that their facilities meet the minimum standards required to ensure the safety of people and property (https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/2388.pdf).
Tomorrow, we will look at occupational exposure data for BPA, first aid measures when exposed to BPA and suitable personal protective equipment when using BPA.
On Wednesday 26th, we will look at fire precautions when using BPA
On Thursday 27th, we will look at the effects of BPA in the environment
In the last of this series, on Friday 28th , we will look at alternatives to BPA.
If you have missed the first article in the series, where we introduced you to the chemical BPA, you can catch up here
Our second article, the history of BPA can be found here
The third article looking at the many uses of BPA can be found here
The fourth article about the health effects of BPA can be found here
The fifth article, the Regulations Affecting the use of BPA can be found here
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