2.4 Occupational Health Aspects

The EC indicative limit values for occupational exposure of ethylbenzene are 100 ppm (442 mg/m³) as the eight hours time weight average concentration and the short-term/excursion limits (STEL) 200 ppm (884 mg/m³) (Directives 91/322/EEC and 2000/39/EC as amended). Skin designation applies. These values will be reviewed in the European risk assessment. In Germany, the “MAK Commission” (see chapter 2.1.9 Carcinogenicity) has concluded that the information is not sufficient to establish a MAK value (maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentration = maximum workplace concentration), but this has not passed the German regulatory bodies yet and is not legally binding at present. To limit occupational exposure the following principles should be considered in ascending order of priority: ventilation, isolation and substitution. Therefore the use of a less hazardous process will be investigated first, secondly the possibility of placing a barrier between hazard and worker (closed system; fume hood…) should be considered. Ventilation is the next option so that via engineering controls a safe workplace is maintained. Personal protective devices, such as chemical resistant clothes, goggles etc. are the types of control to be used where engineering controls cannot be made adequate.

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