OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
December 14, 1992
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THROUGH: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs
|
| FROM: |
PATRICIA K. CLARK
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin on the Ozone Generating Hair
Treatment Device - "Electronic Master" |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins
(HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood health hazards,
inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and safety engineering
controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by the field
staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. Information is compiled based on a
thorough evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination with
appropriate parties.
The purpose of this bulletin is to alert field personnel to a potential
health hazard associated with the use of a hair treatment device used in the
hairdressing industry. The device, "Electronic Master," is distributed by
A.B.C. Distributors of Edmonton, Canada, and generates ozone (by means of an
ultraviolet light source) for the sole purpose of catalyzing the chemicals
placed on the hair. Hairdressers use the "Electronic Master" in performing
dyeing, bleaching, perking and straightening of the hair.
This device, as reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission,
generates ozone at measured levels of 0.25 to 1.04 parts per million during
the operation cycle. The measurements, however, were made under the hood and
do not represent an exposure sample. Although OSHA does not have information
on personal air sampling data, this machine has the potential of generating
an atmosphere in the operator's breathing zone that could exceed OSHA's PELs
of 0.1 ppm TWA and 0.3 ppm STEL. These airborne limits, it should be noted,
are designed to substantially reduce the significant risks of pulmonary
dysfunction that exists as a result of acute or chronic intermittent exposure
to ozone.
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