OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Possible Explosive and Carcinogenic Hazards to Employees Working with Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) hazards from inadequate decontamination procedures.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19871224
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: Possible Explosive and Carcinogenic Hazards to Employees Working with Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) hazards from inadequate decontamination procedures.
December 24, 1987
| MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
Director
Directorate of Technical Support> |
| SUBJECT: |
Health Hazard Information Bulletin: Possible Explosive and
Carcinogenic Hazards to Employees Working with
Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) from Inadequate Decontamination
Procedures |
Information from OSHA Region III Philadelphia indicates that serious
problems may exist from dichlorobenzidine (DCB) exposure to maintenance
employees at pigment plants (OSHA regulates DCB as a carcinogen, 29 CFR
1910.1007).
Findings from a plant inspection indicate that other plants throughout the
U.S.A. may be using similar to the same decontamination procedures used at
the DCB plant described by the Philadelphia region. These decontamination
procedures still are leaving significant amounts of DCB present. Maintenance
employees may be exposed to an explosion hazard if burning, cutting or open
flames (explosions have occurred twice) are present or performed near DCB
blending tank ventilation ductwork from a build-up of unstable tetrazo
compounds. The maintenance workers may use no protective equipment while
being unknowingly exposed to DCB working in what they think are clean rooms
or areas (see attachment).
Field personnel should be aware and become more familiar with the potential
hazards discussed and other related problems associated with this type of
pigment plant.
Attachment
(For Attachment, see printed copy)
OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents |
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