Reduction of Worker Ethylene Oxide Exposure

(Interim Measures)

Craig TorresM. Healy, S. Jahn, D. Gardner

2

Project Proposal

Implement exposure controls to – Worker Health: reduce worker exposure to

Ethylene Oxide (human carcinogen) and – Compliance: achieve compliance with OSHA

regulations – Operability: maintain operability during period

of rapid growth

over the next 6 months.

3

Project Development

• OSHA Citation for lack of monitoring program

• Air testing shows workers exposed above allowed level

• Not addressing issues can result in:– increased risk of cancer, – serious OSHA citation & significant fines and– restrictions on sterilizer operation

4

Objectives

Implement a respiratory protection and OSHA compliance program within the next 6 months

5

Project Benefits

• Tangible– Reduced risk of

cancer in workers– Avoid OSHA citation

and fines– Maintain

manufacturing capacity by preserving sterilizer operability

• Intangible– Reduced future

liability– Improved worker

morale– Consistent with our

stewardship principle

6

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Budget allowance for $20.4 (PV) will allow us to implement the Ethylene Oxide exposure reduction and compliance program which will:– Maintain worker health and minimize future liability– Prevent citations and fines and protect reputation– Protect product capacity by maintaining operability of

sterilizer

7

EHS Strategy MapKey EHS

Opportunities

StakeholderInvolvement

Learning &Growth

EffectiveProcesses

Industrial HygieneFacility ManagementFacility Engineering

Finance

Reduce EtO Risks

Conduct Exposure

Assessment

Implement Hierarchy of controls

Learn Standard

and Industry Best Practices

Establish game plan

for strategy

ID vendor for Breathing

Air temp solution

Develop Training

and medical surveillance

Status Monthly

8

Estimated Project Costs

Costs to Implement

Year Engineering Materials Annual Costs Total Costs

1 $ 2,000 $ 15,000 $ 2,000 $ 19,000

2     $ 2,000 $ 2,000

3     $ 2,000 $ 2,000

4       $ -

Total Costs = $ 23,000

9

Estimated Savings

Savings to be Realized

Year OSHA Citation Savings 2 Savings 3 Total Savings

1 $ 10,000     $ 10,000

2 $ 10,000     $ 10,000

3 $ 10,000     $ 10,000

4       $ -

Total Saving = $ 30,000

10

Financial Analysis

Year Net Savings

1 $ (9,000)

2 $ 8,000

3 $ 8,000

4 $ -

Total $ 7,000