Priority Existing Chemical
o.3Occupational monitoring and regulatory controls
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o.3Occupational monitoring and regulatory controlso.3.1Atmospheric monitoringUnder the NOHSC Model Regulations (NOHSC, 1994c), employers are required to carry out an assessment of the workplace for all hazardous substances, the methodology of which is provided in the NOHSC Guidance Note for the Assessment of Health Risks Arising from the Use of Hazardous Substances in the Workplace (NOHSC, 1994d). When assessment indicates that the risk of exposure via inhalation is significant, atmospheric monitoring should be conducted to measure levels of the hazardous substances in the workplace as a precursor to the implementation of suitable control measures to reduce exposure. Subsequent monitoring is also required to ensure that such measures are effective. No atmospheric monitoring programmes for MMT in workplaces have been identified. o.3.2Occupational exposure standardsAustralia as well as other countries has set exposure standards for MMT and elemental and inorganic Mn. Table 19. Occupational exposure limits for MMT and elemental and inorganic manganese compounds
* skin notation Based on ACGIH (2000). NIOSH = National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (recommended limits). OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration (statutory limits). STEL = short-term (15-min) exposure limit. TWA = time-weighted average. United Kingdom STEL = short-term (10-min) exposure limit. Germany STEL = short-term (30-min) exposure limit. According to the NOHSC Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment, the current Australian national occupational exposure standard for MMT (as Mn) is 0.2 mg/m3, expressed as an 8 h TWA airborne concentration (NOHSC, 1995b). A skin notation, meaning that absorption through the skin may be a significant mode of exposure, accompanies this value. In Australia, there is no short-term exposure limit (STEL) for MMT. However, according to the NOHSC Exposure Standards (NOHSC, 1995b) a process is not considered to be under reasonable control if short-term exposures exceed three times the TWA exposure standard for more than 30 minutes per 8 h working day, or if a single short-term value exceeds five times the TWA exposure standard. The Australian standard for Mn (as dust or fumes) is 1 mg/m3 expressed as an 8 h TWA airborne concentration (NOHSC, 1995b). A short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 3 mg/m3 as Mn exists for Mn fumes (NOHSC, 1995b). The standards for MMT and Mn as fumes were adopted from the ACGIH (1991) whilst that for Mn dust followed review by the Exposure Standards Expert Working Group (NOHSC, 1995a). o.3.3Health surveillanceIn accordance with NOHSC Model Regulations (NOHSC, 1994c), employers have a responsibility to provide health surveillance in those workplaces where the workplace assessment indicates that exposure to a hazardous substance may lead to an identifiable substance-related disease or adverse health effect. MMT is not listed in Schedule 3 (list of substances requiring health surveillance) and as such there are no formal requirements for health surveillance programs for exposed workers. No personal air monitoring or health surveillance programs have been reported in Australia. According to the Ethyl Corporation Medical Guide for Use by Companies Handling HiTEC 3062 Octane Booster, Ethyl Corporation recommends monitoring the level of Mn in the urine of exposed workers as an indicator of MMT exposure and considers that a level of Mn above 20 μg/L of urine might indicate exposure to Mn from sources other than food. They consider urine Mn levels of up to 50 μg/L not an immediate health concern, although if there is reason to suggest industrial exposure related to the elevated reading, they recommend that the source should be found and eliminated. Ethyl Corporation considers a urine Mn concentration above 50 μg/L strong evidence for exposure to Mn and advises that any worker with such a urine Mn reading be removed from the source of exposure, that the cause is identified and removed and that the worker not be permitted to return to a job where exposure to MMT is possible until two consecutive Mn urine measurements below 20 μg/L are registered. o.3.4National transportation regulationsAlthough MMT is not listed in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, it meets the criteria for classification as a dangerous good, Class 6.1, Packing Group I (FORS, 1998). MMT can be ascribed a Proper Shipping Name under the General Entry “Toxic Liquid, Organic, NOS” or Specific Entry “Metal Carbonyls, NOS”. The ADG Code containing guidance for the transport of dangerous goods is therefore applicable for the transportation of MMT. o.3.5National storage and handling regulationsMMT meets the criteria for a dangerous good and so national storage and handling regulations for dangerous goods are applicable for MMT. Storage and handling requirements are described in the NOHSC National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods (NOHSC 2001a) and NOHSC National Code of Practice for the Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods (NOHSC 2001b). o.3.6Control of major hazard facilitiesAccording to the NOHSC National Standard for the Control of Major Hazard Facilities (NOHSC, 1996), MMT is not one of the specifically identified chemicals that must be considered when determining whether a site is a major hazard facility. However, according to Tables 2 and 3 of the NOHSC National Standard for the Control of Major Hazard Facilities, as MMT is classified as toxic, facilities that exceed the threshold quantity of 200 tonnes of MMT qualify as a major hazard facility. The purpose of this standard is to prevent and minimise the effects of major accidents and near misses by requiring the person in control of the facility to:
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