Exposure Limits for Peracetic Acid
Regulations and Guidelines for Peracetic Acid Exposure
There are permissible exposure limits (PEL) and safety guidelines for using Peracetic Acid disinfection in the workplace. Regulations are outlined and enforced by these government and private organizations.
Peracetic Acid Permissible Exposure Limits
Two of the components found in Peracetic Acid (hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid) have a permissible exposure limit. It’s only a matter of time before OSHA, NIOSH and others reevaluate the PEL for Peracetic Acid to better protect workers from this hazardous chemical.
OSHA General Duty Clause
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act – otherwise known as the General Duty Clause – was formalized in 1970 to enforce workplace safety standards. The General Duty Clause states:
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Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment free from hazards
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Employees have the right to a safe work environment
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OSHA can issue citations and fines for not following the required permissible exposure limits
Hazard Communication Standard
The Hazard Communication Standard outlined in the OSHA Act was updated in 2012 to ensure employers and suppliers use chemicals such as Peracetic Acid safely in the workplace.
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Communicate all hazard regulations with labels
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Provide Peracetic Acid Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
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Share best practices
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Implement safety training
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Supply personal protective equipment
Pictograms
A standard set of pictograms developed by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and adopted by OSHA is used in the workplace to quickly communicate hazards to employees.
