Reduction of Ethylene Oxide Exposures

Project Manager

Andreas Wagner, CIH, ROH

Project Team

Louise Chayer-Ayers, CIH, ROH, Rona Hamilton, CIH, CRSP

Judy Middlemiss, RN, B.N.

Terry Neale

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Project Development

• The requirements to reduce the Exposures to Ethylene Oxide was based on a Risk Assessment which identified the following;– Management Concerns– Employee complaints/grievances ; resulting in

decreased morale and satisfaction– OSHA inspections and fines– Preliminary IH assessments– WCB Claims submitted / Sick Leave cases

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Project Development cont.

• Rising consumption / costs of Ethylene Oxide.

• Recent concerns from the Public on the levels of Ethylene Oxide in the plants air emissions. Resulting in a poor corporate image in the community.

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Objectives

• To decrease employee exposure to Ethylene Oxide by 50% over the next year.– To improve the process efficiency of

packaging sterilization to reduce amount of Ethylene Oxide.

– To develop cost effective alternatives and alternate process.

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EHS Strategy MapKey EHS

Opportunities

StakeholderInvolvement

Learning &Growth

EffectiveProcesses

Reduce employee exposure to Ethylene Oxide by 50% (with in 12 months)

• Consult (IH/ Eng. assessment)

• Review Engineering Options

Employee, Packaging Supervisors, Facilities Management, Process Engineer

EO Controls / Process Training, Supervisors / Facilities Mgt.

Implement Controls

Implement IH / Medical Monitoring Program

Awareness / Respirator Training, all line employees

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Project Benefits

• Reduced WCB Costs• Meeting Compliance• Reduced Absenteeism• Reduced Product

consumption / costs• Reduced

complaints/grievances• Improved Production

levels.• Reduced Liabilities

• Improved Morale/Job Satisfaction

• Improved Corporate Image

• Improved LR• Improved Competitive

Edge

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Estimated Project CostsCost Items

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Consulting/Engineering $30,000 $1,000 $1,000

Materials $35,000 $5,000 $5,000

Training $25,000 $2,500 $2,500

Total $90,000 $8,500 $8,500

Costs

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Estimated SavingsItems

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

WCB $30,000 $30,000 $30,000

Liability $25,000

Materials $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Total $60,000 $35,000 $35,000

Savings

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Financial Analysis

Present Value of Savings: PV(Savings)

$119,123

Net Present Value of Savings: NPV(Savings)

$27,880

Payback Period: 2.7 Years

ROI (x Years): 31%

Internal Rate of Return(x Years):

99%

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Conclusions and Recommendations

The benefits of this objective far out way the alternative of not taking any action.

As a publicly owned company we owe a level of responsibility to the public and to our employees.

Your immediate consideration to approve and support this objective is required.