Haz-Map: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents

Related Information in Haz-Map
Process Name	Sterilizing Equipment
Description	Instruments are sterilized to kill all microorganisms. Ethylene oxide is used as a sterilant in hospitals, research laboratories, medical products manufacturing plants, and medical, dental, and veterinarian clinics. If engineering controls are inadequate, workers may be exposed to ethylene oxide while sterilizing items, aerating the chamber, or changing supply cartridges. [Rom, p. 1144-5]
Category	CLEAN
Agents	Hazardous agents associated with this process: Benzalkonium chloride beta-Propiolactone Carbon disulfide Ethylene chlorohydrin Ethylene oxide Formaldehyde Glutaraldehyde Lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride Propylene oxide