2.4.3 Protective Equipment

Respiratory Protection

In order to protect worker’s health, adequate engineering controls need to be in place. For the specific conditions of use and for meeting relevant workplace-related legislation, suitable respirator protection should be selected. When used with an air filtering respirator an appropriate filter for protection against inhalation exposure to ethylbenzene is type A for organic gases and vapours with a boiling point > 65 °C and meeting standard EN 141 (to be superseded by prEN14387 in due course). If there is also the potential for a mist to be present, then a combined organic and particulate filter is appropriate. Particulate filters also come in varying levels of capacity: 1, 2 or 3 (3 being the greatest capacity). Particulate filters also come in varying efficiency classifications (P1 – low efficiency, P2 – medium efficiency, P3 – high efficiency). An example of such a combined filter is A2P3. The respiratory protection devices are compressed air line breathing apparatus for use with a full face mask, half mask or a mouthpiece assembly. The selection of an appropriate mask will be dependant on the use conditions and the likely airborne concentration.

Hand Protection

Where contact with ethylbenzene may occur, gloves classified under standard EN 374 should be used. Examples of preferred glove barrier material include: polyethylene, ethyl vinyl alcohol laminate (EVAL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), styrene/butadiene rubber and Viton® (fluoroelastomers). Examples of acceptable glove barrier materials include: butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, Neoprene, nitrile/butadiene rubber (nitrile or NBR). When prolonged or frequently repeated contact may occur, a glove with a protection class of 3 or higher (breakthrough time greater than 60 minutes according to EN 374) is recommended. The selection of a specific glove for a particular application and duration in a workplace should also take into account all requisite workplace factors such as, but are not limited to: other chemicals which may be handled, physical requirements (cut/puncture protection and dexterity), as well as the instructions/specifications provided by the glove supplier. Contaminated gloves should be replaced.

Eye Protection

Chemical splash goggles are recommended.

Protective Clothing

Under usual working conditions chemical resistant gloves/gauntlets, boots and apron are recommended. If there is a risk of ethylbenzene splashing or in an ethylbenzene spillage, a chemical resistant one-piece overall with integral hood and chemical resistant gloves (see section Hand Protection) should be worn.

Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.

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