OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Exposure to cyanide during the process of recovering silver from X-ray film.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19840615
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: Exposure to cyanide during the process of recovering silver from X-ray film.
June 15, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
| THRU: | JOHN B. MILES
Director
Directorate of Field Operations |
| |
| FROM: | EDWARD J. BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| |
| SUBJECT: | Health Hazard Information on Exposure to Cyanide During the Process of Recovering Silver form X-ray Film |
The information which follows was brought to our attention by Frank
Strasheim, Regional Administrator, Region V. Our purpose is to alert the
field to the potential danger related to cyanide usage in the process of
recovering silver from X-ray film, sic code 3341.
In February 1983 a fatality occurred at the Film Recovery Corporation
located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The autopsy revealed high levels of
cyanide in the deceased employee's blood. The operation recovers silver from
X-ray film through an electroplating process which uses sodium cyanide. The
film is chopped and mixed with the cyanide solution. In this particular
case, engineering controls, industrial hygiene practices and personal
protective equipment were absent thereby exposing the employee to the hazard
of cyanide through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. The exact
exposure route of entry was not determined; however, it is well known that
mixing acid with sodium cyanide will produce hydrogen cyanide gas.
When investigating operations involving silver recovery from film,
Compliance Officers should be alert to the hazard of cyanide. Particular
attention should be given to ventilation controls, acceptable work and
industrial hygiene practices, personal protective equipment, respiratory
protection and training employees. Impervious clothing and a
positive-pressure, supplied-air respirator or a positive-pressure
self-contained breathing apparatus are necessary for protection against
hydrogen cyanide gas. When possible, signs, symptoms and exposure must be
thoroughly investigated.
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