- Home
- 1. Introduction and Purpose
- 2. Production Information and Product Characteristics
- 3. Health Aspects
- 4. Environmental Aspects
- 5. Design and construction of transport and storage equipment
- 6. Transport, Loading and Storage Operations
- 7. Emergency procedures
- 8. Personal protection, first aid and medical treatment
- 9. Styrene: REACH Consortium
- Appendices
- Bibliography
8. Personal Protection, First Aid and Medical Treatment
8.2 Personal protection
8.2.1 Personal Hygiene
Remove contaminated clothing immediately, wash skin area with soap and water, and launder clothing before reuse.8.2.2 Protective Equipment
8.2.2.1 Respiratory Protection
In order to protect worker 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 styrene is Type A for organic gases and vapours with a boiling point > 65 °C and meeting EN141 (to be superceded by prEN14387 in due course). If there is the potential for a mist to be present also, then a combined organic and particulate filter is appropriate. Particulate filters should meet EN143*). 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. *)Type A filters 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 A2P3.8.2.2.1 Hand Protection
Where contact with styrene may occur gloves approved to EN374 made from Nitrile Rubber, Neoprene Rubber or Viton are suitable. The suitability and durability of a glove is dependant on frequency and duration of contact, chemical resistance of glove material, glove thickness and dexterity. In any case glove suppliers should be contacted for additional advice. Contaminated gloves should be replaced.8.2.2.2 Eye Protection
Chemical splash goggles are recommended.8.2.2.3 Protective Clothing
Under usual working conditions chemical resistant gloves/gauntlets, boots and apron are recommended. If there is a risk of styrene splashing or in a styrene spillage a chemical resistant one-piece overall with integral hood and chemical resistant gloves (see above: hand protection) should be worn.
CEFIC
Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse 4
B- 1160 Brussels
Patrick Detournay
T +32 2 676 72 05
E pdt@cefic.be
