(g)(2)(ix)
Any generally applicable control measures which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment;
Good morning--
First, for highly toxic materials, our Packaging Dept., which is measures out prepack units from a bulk container, typically uses neoprene outer gloves with a Silver Shield(R) glove as an inner liner. They also wear other PPE to prevent inhalation or contamination of skin or clothing. The PPE requirements are dependent on the hazards associated with a particular chemical (examples could be supplied breathing air, aprons, sleeves, boot covers, etc.).
Second, the MSDS indicates "Handle with gloves", rather than a more specific recommendation, because the glove choice (& indeed all PPE) is so dependent on the user's specific task. According to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, MSDSs have to be written to cover situations ranging from small amounts to commercial quantities. The PPE requirements are dramatically different for the safe handling of a 5g bottle versus the safe handling of a 55 gallon drum (or larger).
Beth
Beth Shepard, Technical Compliance Specialist
Regulatory Compliance
Sigma-Aldrich
6000 N. Teutonia Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-438-2608, ext. 5471
>We had a question about the correct gloves to wear when working with
Methaneseleninic acid. The Sigma/Aldrich MSDS helpfully says "Handle
with gloves", but given the stench and high toxicity of the material,
the researcher (and we) would like something more specific. The
process is weighing out and dissolving the powder in water.
From: "Margaret Rakas" <mrakas**At_Symbol_Here**smith.edu>
Date: June 30, 2009 10:47:25 AM EDT
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Methaneseleninic acid gloves?
My suggestion is to call Sigma Aldrich and ask them what their folks
wear when they handle this stuff. After all, they either make it or
repackage it (or can ask their vendor what they use). Be pushy if you
need to be; I have had some very inexperienced "safety specialists"
who basically read the MSDS and some very good ones. The other
alternative is to call one of the glove manufacturers, who have always
been able to help me with these questions if the original vendor
can't. But SA is a big company and should be providing this
information as a matter of 'product stewardship'. If more people
'bothered' them for this information they would rightly start adding
it to the MSDS, where it belongs. Good luck.
The above is my personal opinion only, not legal advice and may not
reflect the opinion of my employer or any group to which I belong.
Margaret Rakas
===
From: "Debbie M. Decker" <dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu>
Date: June 30, 2009 11:46:46 AM EDT
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Methaneseleninic acid gloves?
When I don't know what gloves to recommend (and the manufacturer is no
help), my fall back is Silver Shield with close-fitting nitrile over
top.
Good luck!
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