• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with toluene?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with toluene?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-02, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TOLUENE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 500 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s)*; or powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s)*; or gas mask with organic vapour canister; or SAR*; or full-facepiece SCBA.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATION OR IDLH CONDITIONS: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.

*NOTE: Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for toluene is 500 ppm.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self- contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with toluene?

Chemical safety goggles, face shield as necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with toluene?

Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing. Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

Guidelines for toluene:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): polyvinyl alcohol, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), Barrier (PE/PA/PE), Silver Shield/4H(TM) (polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Tychem(TM) Responder(TM), Trellchem(TM) HPS, Trellchem(TM) VPS, Tychem(TM) CPF3, Tychem(TM) F, Tychem(TM) BR/LV, Tychem(TM) TK.

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Viton(TM)/Butyl rubber.

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Tychem(TM) SL.

This material is a recognized skin absorption hazard (ACGIH or OSHA).

Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less).

Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas.

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Document last updated on December 5, 2008

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