OEB/OHC |
OEL (µg/m3) |
Recommended Controls |
---|---|---|
1 |
> 500 |
Open handling is acceptable for powders. Good handling techniques to minimize dust generation. No special containment technology is required. General room ventilation is acceptable. Conventional open equipment with LEV. No recirculation of air is permitted into non-production spaces. Dry floor sweeping or use of compressed air is prohibited. |
2 |
< 500 - 10 |
Minimize open handling of powders. Containment should be used to minimize high-energy dust generation operations (milling, sifting, etc.). Good handling techniques to reduce dust generation. Open face containment devices are acceptable. No recirculation of air is permitted into non-production workspaces. Dry floor sweeping and compressed air is prohibited. Use HEPA filtered vacuums when feasible. |
3A |
< 10 - 1 |
Open handling is limited to small quantities (grams). No open handling is preferred. Good powder handling techniques to reduce dust generation. Use containment technologies to reduce dust exposures. Airlocks (MALs & PALs) and means of decontamination required to prevent migration of dust to uncontrolled areas. Dry floor sweeping and compressed air is prohibited. Single pass air with HEPA filtration. Any LEV must be HEPA filtered prior to discharge from the building. Transfer powders using direct coupling and closed systems. Appropriate RPE is required if dust levels are above the OEL. |
3B |
< 1 – 0.1 |
No open powder handling. Use totally enclosed material transfer systems. Totally enclosed processes and equipment; direct coupling transfers with SBVs; isolation technology as required. No recirculation of air is allowed and must be HEPA filtered prior to discharge. Airlocks (MALs & PALs) and means of decontamination required to prevent migration of dust to uncontrolled areas. Dry floor cleaning is prohibited. Use HEPA filtered vacuums to clean up all powder. RPE is required unless IH data specifies otherwise. CIP systems recommended when feasible. Safe change filters (BIBO) for all ventilation systems is preferred. |
4 |
< 0.1 |
No open handling is permitted. Full containment technology is required. Dispensing isolators are required. Totally enclosed processes and material transport systems are required. Process steps & equipment should be combined to minimize transfer points/handling. Airlocks (MALs & PALs) and means of decontamination required to prevent migration of dust to uncontrolled areas. No recirculation of air is allowed & must be HEPA filtered prior to discharge from the building. Safe change filters (BIBO) for all ventilation systems is preferred. Appropriate RPE is mandatory. |