172 Healthcare: Glutaraldehyde Safety

Hierarchy of Controls

Administrative Work Practice Controls

Poor work practices can contribute significantly to an employee's glutaraldehyde exposure. The health care facility should evaluate each glutaraldehyde-using operation and observe employees' work practices to determine all potential sources of exposure. Developing procedures for safe work practices may be useful for training and communication purposes. These procedures should emphasize prevention of employee contact with glutaraldehyde solution or vapors. Only trained, designated personnel should be responsible for handling glutaraldehyde.

Here are some more work practice controls to help protect healthcare workers:

• Provide eye wash fountains for immediate emergency use. [29 CFR 1910.151(c)]
• Use eye wash fountains and emergency showers if there is skin contact with glutaraldehyde. Flush area with water for at least 15 minutes to remove chemical.
• Change into clean clothes if clothing becomes contaminated.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke in any area where glutaraldehyde is handled or stored.
• Use a vacuum or wet method to reduce dust while cleaning up pure glutaraldehyde. Do not dry sweep.
• Use less toxic products if feasible and available, or other processes for sterilization.
• Automate the transfer of pure glutaraldehyde or pump liquid glutaraldehyde from drums or other storage containers to appropriate containers and operations, avoiding exposure to glutaraldehyde by keeping it in a contained process.

Case Report

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