Work Practice Guidelines For Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers

DANGER! ETHYLENE OXIDE: CANCER AND REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD

1. Ensure that the sterilizer ventilation system is operational before starting and during operation.
2. Use in-chamber aeration whenever possible.
3. When transferring a sterilizer load to an aerator, follow these precautions:

• After completing the required purge/aeration cycles, leave the load in the sterilizer for additional cycles as time permits.
• Verify the functionality of local exhaust ventilation above the sterilizer door.
• Open the sterilizer door to the notched position $or2inchesifnonotchedpositionisavailable$ and vacate the area for 15 minutes.
• Transfer the load swiftly and maintain a distance from the face.

1. In the event of an ethylene oxide leak or emergency, evacuate the area immediately and implement the emergency response plan. DO NOT RE-ENTER WITHOUT A SUPPLIED-AIR RESPIRATOR.

Work Practice Guidelines for Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers: Posted Near Ethylene Oxide Supply Cylinders

1. Before replacing cylinders, ensure local exhaust ventilation for the cylinder is operational.
2. When changing cylinders, wear a full faceshield, protective gloves, and other required protective clothing as per OSHA $29CFR1910.1047$ regulations.
3. Prior to disconnecting the supply line from the cylinder valve, release excess pressure by venting the supply line into the ventilation system.
4. In the event of an ethylene oxide leak or emergency, evacuate the area immediately and follow the emergency response plan. DO NOT RE-ENTER WITHOUT A SUPPLIED-AIR RESPIRATOR.

Work Practice Guidelines for Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers: Posted at Mechanical Access Room Entrances

CAUTION! This room may contain high concentrations of ethylene oxide.

1. In the event of an ethylene oxide leak or emergency, evacuate the area immediately and initiate the emergency response plan. DO NOT RE-ENTER WITHOUT A SUPPLIED-AIR RESPIRATOR.