1910.1017(a)Scope and application.
1910.1017(a)(1)This section includes requirements for the control of employee exposure to vinyl chloride
(chloroethene), Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 75014.
1910.1017(a)(2)This section applies to the manufacture, reaction, packaging, repackaging, storage, handling or use
of vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride, but does not apply to the handling or use of fabricated products made of polyvinyl chloride.
1910.1017(a)(3)This section applies to the transportation of vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride except to the
extent that the Department of Transportation may regulate the hazards covered by this section.
1910.1017(b)Definitions.
1910.1017(b)(1)"Action level" means a concentration of vinyl chloride of 0.5 ppm averaged over an 8-hour work
day.
1910.1017(b)(2)"Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health,
U.S. Department of Labor, or his designee.
1910.1017(b)(3)"Authorized person" means any person specifically authorized by the employer whose duties require
him to enter a regulated area or any person entering such an area as a designated representative of employees for the purpose of exercising an
opportunity to observe monitoring and measuring procedures.
1910.1017(b)(4)"Director" means the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or any person
directed by him or the Secretary of Health and Human Services to act for the Director.
1910.1017(b)(5)"Emergency" means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, or operation of a
relief device which is likely to, or does, result in massive release of vinyl chloride.
1910.1017(b)(6)"Fabricated product" means a product made wholly or partly from polyvinyl chloride, and which does
not require further processing at temperatures, and for times, sufficient to cause mass melting of the polyvinyl chloride resulting in the release of
vinyl chloride.
1910.1017(b)(7)"Hazardous operation" means any operation, procedure, or activity where a release of either vinyl
chloride liquid or gas might be expected as a consequence of the operation or because of an accident in the operation, which would result in an
employee exposure in excess of the permissible exposure limit.
1910.1017(b)(8)"OSHA Area Director" means the Director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Area
Office having jurisdiction over the geographic area in which the employer's establishment is located.
1910.1017(b)(9)"Polyvinyl chloride" means polyvinyl chloride homopolymer or copolymer before such is converted to a
fabricated product.
1910.1017(b)(10)"Vinyl chloride" means vinyl chloride monomer.
1910.1017(c)Permissible exposure limit.
1910.1017(c)(1)No employee may be exposed to vinyl chloride at concentrations greater than 1 ppm averaged over any
8-hour period, and
1910.1017(c)(2)No employee may be exposed to vinyl chloride at concentrations greater than 5 ppm averaged over any
period not exceeding 15 minutes.
1910.1017(c)(3)No employee may be exposed to vinyl chloride by direct contact with liquid vinyl chloride.
1910.1017(d)Monitoring.
1910.1017(d)(1)A program of initial monitoring and measurement shall be undertaken in each establishment to
determine if there is any employee exposed, without regard to the use of respirators, in excess of the action level.
1910.1017(d)(2)Where a determination conducted under paragraph (d)(1) of this section shows any employee exposures,
without regard to the use of respirators, in excess of the action level, a program for determining exposures for each such employee shall be
established. Such a program:
1910.1017(d)(2)(i)Must be repeated at least quarterly for any employee exposed, without regard to the use of respirators, in excess of the permissible exposure limit.
1910.1017(d)(2)(ii)Must be repeated not less than every 6 months for any employee exposed without regard to the use of respirators, at or above the action level.
1910.1017(d)(2)(iii)May be discontinued for any employee only when at least two consecutive monitoring
determinations, made not less than 5 working days apart, show exposures for that employee at or below the action level.
1910.1017(d)(3)Whenever there has been a production, process or control change which may result in an increase in
the release of vinyl chloride, or the employer has any other reason to suspect that any employee may be exposed in excess of the action level, a
determination of employee exposure under paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall be performed.
1910.1017(d)(4)The method of monitoring and measurement shall have an accuracy (with a confidence level of 95
percent) of not less than plus or minus 50 percent from 0.25 through 0.5 ppm, plus or minus 35 percent from over 0.5 ppm through 1.0 ppm, and plus or
minus 25 percent over 1.0 ppm. (Methods meeting these accuracy requirements are available in the "NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods").
1910.1017(d)(5)Employees or their designated representatives shall be afforded reasonable opportunity to observe
the monitoring and measuring required by this paragraph.
1910.1017(e)Regulated area.
1910.1017(e)(1)A regulated area shall be established where:
1910.1017(e)(1)(i)Vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride is manufactured, reacted, repackaged, stored, handled or
used; and
1910.1017(e)(1)(ii)Vinyl chloride concentrations are in excess of the permissible exposure limit.
1910.1017(e)(2)Access to regulated areas shall be limited to authorized persons.
1910.1017(f)Methods of compliance. Employee exposures to vinyl chloride shall be controlled to at or below the
permissible exposure limit provided in paragraph (c) of this section by engineering, work practice, and personal protective controls as
follows:
1910.1017(f)(1)Feasible engineering and work practice controls shall immediately be used to reduce exposures to at
or below the permissible exposure limit.
1910.1017(f)(2)Wherever feasible engineering and work practice controls which can be instituted immediately are not
sufficient to reduce exposures to at or below the permissible exposure limit, they shall nonetheless be used to reduce exposures to the lowest
practicable level, and shall be supplemented by respiratory protection in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section. A program shall be
established and implemented to reduce exposures to at or below the permissible exposure limit, or to the greatest extent feasible, solely by means of
engineering and work practice controls, as soon as feasible.
1910.1017(f)(3)Such plans must be updated at least annually.
1910.1017(g)Respiratory protection.
1910.1017(g)(1)General. For employees who use
respirators required by this section, the employer must provide
respirators that comply with the requirements of this paragraph.
1910.1017(g)(2)Respirator program. The employer must implement a respiratory
protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134 (b) through (d)
(except (d)(1)(iii), and (d)(3)(iii)(B)(1) and (2)), and (f) through
(m).
1910.1017(g)(3)Respirator selection.
1910.1017(g)(3)(i)Employers must:
1910.1017(g)(3)(i)(A)Select, and provide to employees, the appropriate respirators specified in paragraph (d)(3)(i)(A) of 29 CFR 1910.134.
1910.1017(g)(3)(i)(B)Provide an organic vapor cartridge that has a service life of at least one hour when using a chemical cartridge respirator at vinyl chloride concentrations up to 10 ppm.
1910.1017(g)(3)(i)(C)Select a canister that has a service life of at least four hours when using a powered air-purifying respirator having a hood, helmet, or full or half facepiece, or a gas mask with a front-or back-mounted canister, at vinyl chloride concentrations up to 25 ppm.
1910.1017(g)(3)(ii)When air-purifying respirators are used:
1910.1017(g)(3)(ii)(A)Air-purifying canisters or cartridges must be replaced prior to
the expiration of their service life or the end of the shift in which
they are first used, whichever occurs first.
1910.1017(g)(3)(ii)(B)A continuous-monitoring and alarm system must be provided when
concentrations of vinyl chloride could reasonably exceed the allowable
concentrations for the devices in use. Such a system must be used to
alert employees when vinyl chloride concentrations exceed the allowable
concentrations for the devices in use.
1910.1017(g)(4)Selection of respirators for vinyl chloride shall be as follows:
1910.1017(g)(5)Where air-purifying respirators are used:
1910.1017(g)(5)(i)Air-purifying cannisters or cartridges shall be replaced prior to the expiration of their service
life or the end of the shift in which they are first used, whichever occurs first, and
1910.1017(g)(5)(ii)A continuous monitoring and alarm system shall be provided where concentrations of vinyl
chloride could reasonably exceed the allowable concentrations for the devices in use. Such system shall be used to alert employees when vinyl chloride
concentrations exceed the allowable concentrations for the devices in use.
1910.1017(g)(6)Apparatus prescribed for higher concentrations may be used for any lower concentration.
1910.1017(h)Hazardous operations.
1910.1017(h)(1)Employees engaged in hazardous operations, including entry of vessels to clean polyvinyl chloride
residue from vessel walls, shall be provided and required to wear and use;
1910.1017(h)(1)(i)Respiratory protection in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section; and
1910.1017(h)(1)(ii)Protective garments to prevent skin contact with liquid vinyl chloride or with polyvinyl
chloride residue from vessel walls. The protective garments shall be selected for the operation and its possible exposure conditions.
1910.1017(h)(2)Protective garments shall be provided clean and dry for each use.
1910.1017(i)Emergency situations. A written operational plan for emergency situations shall be developed for each
facility storing, handling, or otherwise using vinyl chloride as a liquid or compressed gas. Appropriate portions of the plan shall be implemented in
the event of an emergency. The plan shall specifically provide that:
1910.1017(i)(1)Employees engaged in hazardous operations or correcting situations of existing hazardous releases
shall be equipped as required in paragraph (h) of this section;
1910.1017(i)(2)Other employees not so equipped shall evacuate the area and not return until conditions are
controlled by the methods required in paragraph (f) of this section and the emergency is abated.
1910.1017(j)Training. Each employee engaged in vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride operations shall be provided
training in a program relating to the hazards of vinyl chloride and precautions for its safe use.
1910.1017(j)(1)The program shall include:
1910.1017(j)(1)(i)The nature of the health hazard from chronic exposure to vinyl chloride including specifically
the carcinogenic hazard;
1910.1017(j)(1)(ii)The specific nature of operations which could result in exposure to vinyl chloride in excess of
the permissible limit and necessary protective steps;
1910.1017(j)(1)(iii)The purpose for, proper use, and limitations of respiratory protective devices;
1910.1017(j)(1)(iv)The fire hazard and acute toxicity of vinyl chloride, and the necessary protective steps;
1910.1017(j)(1)(v)The purpose for and a description of the monitoring program;
1910.1017(j)(1)(vi)The purpose for, and a description of, the medical surveillance program;
1910.1017(j)(1)(vii)Emergency procedures;
1910.1017(j)(1)(viii)Specific information to aid the employee in recognition of conditions which may result in the
release of vinyl chloride; and
1910.1017(j)(1)(ix)A review of this standard at the employee's first training and indoctrination program, and
annually thereafter.
1910.1017(j)(2)All materials relating to the program shall be provided upon request to the Assistant Secretary and the Director.
1910.1017(k)Medical surveillance. A program of medical surveillance shall be instituted for each employee exposed,
without regard to the use of respirators, to vinyl chloride in excess of the action level. The program shall provide each such employee with an
opportunity for examinations and tests in accordance with this paragraph. All medical examinations and procedures shall be performed by or under the
supervision of a licensed physician, and shall be provided without cost to the employee.
1910.1017(k)(1)At the time of initial assignment, or upon institution of medical surveillance;
1910.1017(k)(1)(i)A general physical examination shall be performed, with specific attention to detecting
enlargement of liver, spleen or kidneys, or dysfunction in these organs, and for abnormalities in skin, connective tissues and the pulmonary system
(See Appendix A).
1910.1017(k)(1)(ii)A medical history shall be taken, including the following topics:
1910.1017(k)(1)(ii)(A)Alcohol intake;
1910.1017(k)(1)(ii)(B)Past history of hepatitis;
1910.1017(k)(1)(ii)(C)Work history and past exposure to potential hepatotoxic agents, including drugs and chemicals;
1910.1017(k)(1)(ii)(D)Past history of blood transfusions; and
1910.1017(k)(1)(ii)(E)Past history of hospitalizations.
1910.1017(k)(1)(iii)A serum specimen shall be obtained and determinations made of:
1910.1017(k)(1)(iii)(A)Total bilirubin;
1910.1017(k)(1)(iii)(B)Alkaline phosphatase;
1910.1017(k)(1)(iii)(C)Serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT);
1910.1017(k)(1)(iii)(D)Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT); and
1910.1017(k)(1)(iii)(E)Gamma glustamyl transpeptidase.
1910.1017(k)(2)Examinations must be provided in accordance with this paragraph at least annually.
1910.1017(k)(2)(i)Every 6 months for each employee who has been employed in vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride
manufacturing for 10 years or longer; and
1910.1017(k)(2)(ii)Annually for all other employees.
1910.1017(k)(3)Each employee exposed to an emergency shall be afforded appropriate medical surveillance.
1910.1017(k)(4)A statement of each employee's suitability for continued exposure to vinyl chloride including use of
protective equipment and respirators, shall be obtained from the examining physician promptly after any examination. A copy of the physician's
statement shall be provided each employee.
1910.1017(k)(5)If any employee's health would be materially impaired by continued exposure, such employee shall be
withdrawn from possible contact with vinyl chloride.
1910.1017(k)(6)Laboratory analyses for all biological specimens included in medical examination shall be performed by accredited laboratories.
1910.1017(k)(7)If the examining physician determines that alternative medical examinations to those required by
paragraph (k)(1) of this section will provide at least equal assurance of detecting medical conditions pertinent to the exposure to vinyl chloride,
the employer may accept such alternative examinations as meeting the requirements of paragraph (k)(1) of this section, if the employer obtains a
statement from the examining physician setting forth the alternative examinations and the rationale for substitution. This statement shall be
available upon request for examination and copying to authorized representatives of the Assistant Secretary and the Director.
1910.1017(l)Signs and labels.
1910.1017(l)(1)Entrances to regulated areas shall be posted with legible signs bearing the legend:
CANCER-SUSPECT AGENT AREA AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
1910.1017(l)(2)Areas containing hazardous operations or where an emergency currently exists shall be posted with legible signs bearing the legend:
CANCER-SUSPECT AGENT IN THIS AREA PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
1910.1017(l)(3)Containers of polyvinyl chloride resin waste from reactors or other waste contaminated with vinyl chloride shall be legibly labeled:
CONTAMINATED WITH VINYL CHLORIDE CANCER-SUSPECT AGENT
1910.1017(l)(4)Containers of polyvinyl chloride shall be legibly labeled:
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (OR TRADE NAME) Contains VINYL CHLORIDE VINYL CHLORIDE IS A CANCER-SUSPECT AGENT
1910.1017(l)(5)Containers of vinyl chloride shall be legibly labeled either:
1910.1017(l)(5)(i)VINYL CHLORIDE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GAS UNDER PRESSURE CANCER SUSPECT AGENT
or,
1910.1017(l)(5)(ii)In accordance with 49 CFR Parts 170-189, with the additional legend:
CANCER-SUSPECT AGENT
applied near the label or placard.
1910.1017(l)(6)No statement shall appear on or near any required sign, label or instruction which contradicts or
detracts from the effect of, any required warning, information or instruction.
1910.1017(m)Records.
1910.1017(m)(1)All records maintained in accordance with this section shall include the name and social security
number of each employee where relevant.
1910.1017(m)(2)Records of required monitoring and measuring and medical records shall be provided upon request to
employees, designated representatives, and the Assistant Secretary in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(a)-(e) and (g) through (i). These records shall
be provided upon request to the Director. Authorized personnel rosters shall also be provided upon request to the Assistant Secretary and the
Director.
1910.1017(m)(2)(i)Monitoring and measuring records shall:
1910.1017(m)(2)(i)(A)State the date of such monitoring and measuring and the concentrations determined and identify
the instruments and methods used;
1910.1017(m)(2)(i)(B)Include any additional information necessary to determine individual employee exposures where
such exposures are determined by means other than individual monitoring of employees; and
1910.1017(m)(2)(i)(C)Be maintained for not less than 30 years.
1910.1017(m)(2)(ii)[Reserved]
1910.1017(m)(2)(iii)Medical records shall be maintained for the duration of the employment of each employee plus 20
years, or 30 years, whichever is longer.
1910.1017(m)(3)In the event that the employer ceases to do business and there is no successor to receive and retain
his records for the prescribed period, these records shall be transmitted by registered mail to the Director, and each employee individually notified
in writing of this transfer. The employer shall also comply with any additional requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1020(h).
1910.1017(n)Employee notification of monitoring results. The employer must, within 15 working days after the receipt of the results of any monitoring performed under this section, notify each affected employee of these results and the steps being taken to reduce exposures within the permissible exposure limit either individually in writing or by posting the results in an appropriate location that is accessible to affected employees.
[58 FR 35310, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 5507, Feb. 13, 1996; 63 FR 1152, Jan. 8, 1998; 63 FR 33450, June 18, 1998; 70 FR 1141, Jan. 5, 2005; 71 FR 16672 and 16673, April 3, 2006; 71 FR 50188, August 24, 2006]
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