02/07/2015 safe handling of enzymes title slide edit: add presentation title and speaker(s). editing...

19/04/23

Safe handling of enzymes

NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION2 04/19/23

WHAT ARE ENZYMES?

POTENTIAL RISKS OF ENZYME EXPOSURE

REDUCTION OF ENZYME EXPOSURE

AGENDA

NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION19/04/233

What are Enzymes?

Special kind of proteins found in all living matter.

Vital for life, but not living substances themselves

Catalysts - accelerate chemical reactions

Specific and efficient in very small amounts

In laundry detergents they break up stains so they can be washed away more easily


WHAT ARE ENZYMES?



AGENDA


Potential Adverse Effects of Enzymes

Primary Irritation (eyes, skin, mucous membranes) Proteases

Allergy Only through inhalation (not through skin contact)

Like allergy to other soluble proteins (pollen, mold, animal dander)

INDUSTRIAL ENZYMES ARE

NOT TOXIC


Prevention of Skin and Eye Irritation

Avoid direct contact with

enzymes

Moisture increases irritation

Keep high personal hygiene

standard

Use personal protective

equipment

Goggles and face shields

Gloves


Main Causes of Allergy Development

Genetically (“atopics”)

Smoking habits

Exposure pattern

Physical form of the

allergen

Particle size

Individual predispositio

n

Level

Time

Frequency


Allergens

Allergens (e.g. pollen, house dust mites, molds, hair from dog/cat, etc. ) are proteins.

Proteins in the form of dust may cause allergy when inhaled.

Enzymes are proteins.

Enzymes may therefore also cause allergy when inhaled.


Allergy Development

SYMPTOMS

ALLERGENS

SENSITIZATION

DUST CONTROL

MEDICAL SURVAILLANCE

Dust Control

Personal protection

Equipment Face masks, Respirators

Goggles, Gloves

Full Body Protection

Personal Hygiene Shower

Clothing

Training Procedures

Allergy Information



Sensitization vs. Allergy

Sensitization

Your body makes specific antibodies against the enzyme

No symptoms

Allergy

After repeated enzyme exposure

Antibodies cause symptoms

Symptoms are immediate or delayed

Symptoms are reversible


Allergy

Sensitization:

A state where a person has developed specific antibodies to an allergen, e.g. pollen, flour, etc…

Can be detected by “Skin Prick Test” or RAST

Without symptoms is not a disease

Is induced by inhalation of allergens, e.g. dust

Sensitization is lifelong!

DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFI-CATIONS


Allergy

Allergy:

Some sensitized people develop allergy symptoms

Asthma or Hay-Fever

Symptoms disappear when out of exposure

Symptoms reoccur when re-exposed

Enzyme allergy is a occupational disease

DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFI-CATIONS


Allergy symptoms

Itching & irritation of eyes

Sneezing

Nasal or sinus congestion

Coughing

Tightness of chest

Hoarseness

Shortness of breath

Asthma


WHAT ARE ENZYMES?



AGENDA


Enzyme Safety Program

Goal To prevent sensitization and allergic reactions by controlling

inhalation of dust and aerosols

Elements of the program Enzyme product formulation

Engineering control

Good work practices


Enzyme Product Formulation

Very high potential for dust generation

Use of powders should be avoided

LiquidsGranulates (encapsulated/

coated enzymes)

Low dust generation

Potential dust generation from crushed granulates

Powders

Potential aerosol generation

Potential dust generation from dried spills


Engineering Control

Systems, processes, or equipment that reduce dust or aerosols at the source

The primary way that dust and aerosols are controlled

Tell your supervisor/safety officer of any ideas for improving the control of dust and aerosols


Engineering Control

Types of Engineering

ControlsContained handling systems

Avoid conveyors that may break up enzymes

Enclosures Enclose operations such as filling

stations that have the potential to generate dust or aerosols

Local exhaust ventilation Use for operators where dust and

aerosols are unavoidable

Avoid direct contact with enzymes and enzyme contamination on clothes

Avoid generation of dust or aerosols Remove spills immediately

No sweeping or high pressure washing Vacuum only with HEPA filters Moisten to remove completely

Good Work Practices 1




Wear personal protection when needed (exposure can’t be eliminated)

Keep high personal hygiene standard Wash hands often Change work clothes frequently A shower is recommended before going home



Good work practices are of special importance around high risk operations

Addition of enzymes to the process, i.e. spray delivery systems

Mixing/Blending Handling empty containers Maintenance of ventilation systems

Air and Medical Monitoring


Air sampling is conducted to asses the levels of enzyme aerosols (dusts or mists)

Looking for levels to be under 60ng/m3 Utilize high-volume air samplers to collect aerosols on a

filter for analysis High levels may result in changes to equipment,

engineering controls, or PPE for exposed employees

Medical monitoring looks for early signs of problems Includes skin prick/RAST testing and lung function testing

SUMMARY


Enzymes are NOT toxic. Like other proteins (molds, pollen, animal etc..) enzymes

may cause allergic reactions in susceptible persons. Allergy symptoms occur in susceptible persons via

inhalation of fine air-borne enzyme dust (< 50 micron). Irritation (eyes, skin, mucous membranes) is induced by

protease only.

Safety First!


Primary Safety Goal:

• Avoid generation and inhalation of dust or aerosols

This can be achieved by:

• Enzyme product design

• Engineering controls

• Good Work Practices including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION26 04/19/23 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION26 19/04/23

THANK YOU!

02/07/2015 safe handling of enzymes title slide edit: add presentation title and speaker(s). editing...

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