OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910) 1910.1017: 1910.1017 Vinyl chloride

Applies to the manufacture, reaction, packaging, repackaging, storage, handling or use of vinyl chloride monomer or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and to their transportation except where DOT regulates; handling or use of fabricated PVC products is excluded. Limits: no exposure above 1 ppm averaged over any 8-hour period, no exposure above 5 ppm averaged over any period not exceeding 15 minutes, and no direct contact with liquid vinyl chloride. The action level is 0.5 ppm averaged over an 8-hour work day. Monitoring: initial monitoring in each establishment to find any employee above the action level (without regard to respirators); where exceeded, an employee exposure program repeated at least quarterly for those above the PEL and not less than every 6 months for those at or above the action level, discontinued only after two consecutive determinations at least 5 working days apart show exposure at or below the action level; re-monitoring after production, process or control changes. Methods must be accurate at 95 percent confidence to plus or minus 50 percent from 0.25 to 0.5 ppm, 35 percent above 0.5 through 1.0 ppm, and 25 percent above 1.0 ppm. Employees may observe monitoring and must be notified of results and the steps being taken within 15 working days, individually in writing or by posting. Regulated areas, limited to authorized persons, where vinyl chloride or PVC is present and concentrations exceed the PEL. Methods of compliance: feasible engineering and work practice controls used immediately, supplemented by respirators where insufficient, with a program to reach the PEL by engineering and work practice controls alone as soon as feasible; written plans furnished on request and updated at least annually. Respirators under 1910.134: organic vapor cartridges with at least one hour service life up to 10 ppm, canisters with at least four hours service life for PAPRs or gas masks up to 25 ppm, cartridges replaced before service life ends or at end of the shift first used, and a continuous monitoring and alarm system where concentrations could exceed what the devices allow. Hazardous operations, including vessel entry to clean PVC residue, require respirators and protective garments provided clean and dry for each use. A written emergency operational plan is required for each facility with liquid or compressed-gas vinyl chloride, with equipped responders and evacuation of others. Training for every employee in vinyl chloride or PVC operations covering carcinogenic hazard, fire and acute toxicity, respirators, monitoring, medical surveillance and emergency procedures, with a review of the standard at first training and annually. Medical surveillance for employees above the action level, by a licensed physician at no cost: at initial assignment a physical focused on liver, spleen, kidneys, skin, connective tissue and lungs, a medical history (alcohol, hepatitis, hepatotoxic exposures, transfusions, hospitalizations) and serum total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT and GGTP; examinations at least annually; surveillance after emergencies; a physician's suitability statement to employer and employee; withdrawal from contact where health would be materially impaired; accredited laboratories; alternative tests allowed with a physician's written rationale. Hazard communication under 1910.1200 (cancer, CNS, liver, blood effects, flammability), DANGER VINYL CHLORIDE MAY CAUSE CANCER signs, and labels on PVC resin waste. Records: monitoring records not less than 30 years; medical records for the duration of employment plus 20 years or 30 years, whichever is longer; authorized personnel rosters on request. Appendix A (supplementary medical information) suggests repeat testing within 3 to 4 weeks for abnormal results.