safety question

safety question

Algonquin Orthopaedics

9/30/1999

Hi All

I've been using, as I'm sure many others do, Nickleplast EVA sheet goods
(AKA solite) for several years. I wear a N95 (i.e. 95 % efficient) 3m dust
mask #8210 which filters out nuisance dust and fiberglass. On the
Nickleplast MSDS information from the manufacturer, Der-Tex Corp in
Lawrence MA under Hazard Data, Inhalation, it says single exposure to dust
is not likely to be hazardous. As well, when exposed to a temperature of
(or over) 500 degrees F Acetic acid and carbon monoxide gasses will be
formed. Well I don't heat this material to that degree I am concerned that
single exposure is not likely to be hazardous. I called Der-Tex to find
out about continuous exposure to abraded Nickleplast and they really had no
idea of the risk, if any, nor the type of mask I should be using, or the
type of safety precautions people in general are using. Their suggestion
was to talk to other people in your field who are using Nickleplast and
see what they do. That's where I'm at right now.

So, my questions are:

1. What (if any) dust mask, dust extraction or ventilation precautions are
people using with foam, sheet goods.

2. Are there any people using fresh air supply hoods or masks for this type
of operation similar to those when working with carbon fibre.

3. Do the people using these types of foams regularly notice any nasal or
throat irritation after prolonged exposure. Of particular interest would be
technicians who are on vacation and return after say 7 to 14 days off.

While there may be nothing to be concerned about I do wonder every time I
brush a bit of dust off a pant leg or lab coat how much has entered a lung.

I'm interested in hearing your response. If there are many, I'll compile a
list for distribution.

TIA

Cameron Renwick, C.O.(c)
Algonquin Orthopaedics
228 Main ST. West
Huntsville, Ont., P1H 1Y1
www.orthotics.on.ca



Cameron Renwick, C.O.(c)
Algonquin Orthopaedics
228 Main ST. West
Huntsville, Ont., P1H 1Y1
www.orthotics.on.ca

                          ********************
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries of a
commercial nature should not be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Responses
should be collected and reposted by the person asking the question.
Send a message to the list by sending to: <Email Address Redacted> To unsubscribe,
send a message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body of the
message. All postings related to US-politics must use a subject line
starting with US-Politics:
Any questions should be directed to Paul E. Prusakowski, CPO at
<Email Address Redacted>