OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Errors in Occupational Health Services, Inc. (OHS) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on Respirator Use Information.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19870713
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: Errors in Occupational Health Services, Inc. (OHS) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on Respirator Use Information.
July 13, 1987
| MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Directorate of Field Operations |
| FROM: |
EDWARD BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Health Hazard Bulletin: Errors in the Occupational Health
Services, Inc. (OHS) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on
Respirator Use Information |
We received numerous requests for information on toxic substances. While
casually reviewing the protective equipment sections of OHS MSDS on
microfiche, errors were found in the recommendations for the selection of
respirators.
Examples of typical errors shown in the attached copies are forwarded for
your information. We are only covering the respirator section and not other
sections of the MSDS. Please note the information on the following MSDS:
1. Potassium Hydroxide - CAS Number 1310-58-3. OHS recommends the
use of a chemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor cartridge(s).
Also, OHS recommends the use of a gas mask with an organic vapor canister.
Potassium Hydroxide is not an organic chemical. Exposure ranges of potassium
hydroxide for specific respirator use are not given.
2. Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate - CAS Number 7758-16-9. OHS
recommends the use of a chemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor
cartridge(s) without giving exposure ranges for specific respirator use.
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate is not an organic chemical.
3. Sodium Carbonate - CAS Number 497-19-8. OHS recommends the use
of a Type "C" supplied-air respirator with a full face-piece operated in
pressure-demand, and also does not give Sodium Carbonate exposure ranges for
specific respirator use. Because Sodium Carbonate is a low toxicity
substance, a supplied air respirator is not needed at low exposure
levels.
4. Hydrogen Chloride, Anhydrous - CAS Number 7647-01-1. OSH
recommends, for concentrations up to 50 ppm, the use of any chemical
cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the
compound of concern. We feel that the recommendation should be more specific
and recommend the use of an acid gas cartridge rather than a cartridge(s)
providing protection against the compound of concern.
In view of the above, when forwarding an MSDS prepared by OHS in replying to
inquiries, a disclaimer should be included stating that OSHA does not attest
to its accuracy. An effort should be made to make note of errors in the MSDS
and provide corrected information.
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