• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with xylene?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with xylene?
• 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 Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR o-, m- OR p-XYLENE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 900 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or SAR; or full-facepiece SCBA.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS 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: The IDLH concentration for xylene (o-, m-, and p-xylenes) is 900 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.

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

The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.

Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self- contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

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

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with xylene?

Chemical protective 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 xylene:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Polyvinyl alcohol, Viton(TM), 4H(TM), Barricade(TM), CPF3(TM) and Tychem 10 000(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Teflon(TM), Responder(TM).

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

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

Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. 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.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

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 smoke, eat or drink in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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