Hierarchy of Controls
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers must select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to potential skin absorption of substances such as glutaraldehyde (29 CFR 1910.138).
Employers must require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to glutaraldehyde.
Use appropriate PPE covered under [29 CFR 1910.132(a)] including:
- Use gloves and aprons made of nitrile or butyl rubber (latex gloves do not provide adequate protection).
- Do not use latex surgical exam gloves for skin protection against glutaraldehyde, except in situations where only short-term, incidental contact is expected.
- Wear lab coats, aprons, or gowns made of appropriate materials such as polypropylene to provide additional protection.
- For shorter exposures, you can use gloves made of polyethylene. Do not use Neoprene and PVC gloves because they do not provide adequate protection against glutaraldehyde and may actually absorb it.
- Wear splash-proof goggles and/or full-face shields when working with glutaraldehyde to protect eyes (29 CFR 1910.133).
- Suitable emergency eyewash equipment must be immediately available for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes (for at least 15 minutes) in all glutaraldehyde usage locations. It is recommended that emergency eyewash units be accessible and located within a 10 second travel time of all affected areas.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. Brent was disinfecting the x-ray machine with glutaraldehyde when the chemical splashed in his face. How long should he flush his eyes?
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