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Vinyl Chloride

29 CFR 1910.1017

Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl Chloride (VC) is a colorless, volatile gas that is easily condensed and used as a liquid. It has a sweet, ether-like odor, and it is flammable. Some synonyms for VC include: Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), Chlorethene, Chlorethylene, Chloroethene, Chloroethylene, EthyleneMonochloride.

Protective Measures

Employers are responsible for using engineering and work practice controls to control employee exposure to VC. Engineering controls include:

  • The use of exhaust ventilation systems to remove airborne VC.
  • Equipment design that minimizes the risk of release of VC.

Work Practice Controls

  • Following proper operating procedures for VC equipment.
  • Wearing required personal protection equipment (PPE).
  • Keeping containers closed, protected from damage, and properly stored.
  • Establishing “regulated areas” where VC concentrations are in excess of the permissible exposure limit (PEL).

Regulated Areas

Entrances to regulated areas must be posted with a warning sign that states “Cancer-Suspect Agent Area—Authorized Personnel Only.” The employer must notify OSHA within one month of establishing a regulated area.

Respiratory Protection

Respirators are required whenever feasible engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to at/or below the PEL. Before using respirators:

  • Engineering and work practice controls must be used to reduce exposure to the lowest practicable level.
  • A program must be implemented to initiate controls that will reduce exposures to meet exposure limits without the need for supplementary use of respirators.

Employee Training

At §1910.1017(j) OSHA indicates that each employee engaged in VC or polyvinyl chloride operations must be provided training on the hazards of VC and precautions for its safe use. The program must include:

  • The nature of the health hazards from chronic exposure to VC, and the carcinogenic hazard.
  • Operations and activities which could result in exposure and how to protect oneself.
  • The purpose for, proper use of, and limitations of respiratory protection devices.
  • The fire hazard and acute toxicity of VC, and protective steps.
  • The purpose for and a description of the monitoring program.
  • The purpose for and a description of the medical surveillance program.
  • How to recognize the release of VC and emergency procedures.
  • A review of §1910.1017 at the employees first training and annually thereafter.

Training Tips

Review §1910.1017.

Using the employee handout, review the VC hazards in your workplace, and operations where exposure to VC could exceed PEL.

For more information see:

  • 29 CFR 1910.1017—Vinyl chloride

Vinyl ChlorideHandout

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Vinyl Chloride (VC) is a colorless gas that is usually kept under pressure and handled as a liquid. VC is used to make a variety of plastic products.

VC exposure can cause many toxic effects, including cancer. OSHA’s VC rule, 29 CFR 1910.1017—Vinyl Chloride, applies to the manufacture, reaction, packaging, repackaging, storage, handling, or use of VC. The regulation requires that employees be informed about the health hazards of VC.

How Can It Hurt Me?

VC can enter your system through the following routes, with their associated acute health effects:

  • Inhalation—symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, mental confusion, and nausea. Overexposure can lead to unconsciousness and death.
  • Direct contact—can cause severe irritation to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes with symptoms of burning and inflammation. Rapid evaporation from the skin causes burns.
  • Ingestion—can cause irritation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and can lead to unconsciousness and shock.

VC overexposure can also have the following chronic (long-term) health effects:

  • Raynaud’s syndrome—circulatory systems condition that effects blood flow in the extremities.
  • Liver damage.
  • Central nervous system damage.

Your Employer is Required to:

  • Explain the nature of the hazards posed by VC.
  • Tell you about jobs and operations which could result in VC exposure in excess of the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
  • Provide training upon assignment to a job which has the potential for VC exposure, and at least yearly thereafter.
  • Provide employees exposed above the action level with an initial medical exam, and annual follow-up exams, and provide you with a copy of the physician’s statement and recommendations.

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Vinyl ChlorideSign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session Vinyl Chloride. The session covered:

  • The characteristics of vinyl chloride.
  • The hazards of vinyl chloride exposure.
  • Training requirements for employees working with vinyl chloride.
  • The company medical surveillance program.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature