"Hard" hats should be worn where there is danger from falling objects or
overhead leaks or spills. If "hard" hats are not considered necessary,
rubber or plastic hats or caps may be worn to give protection against
liquid leaks or splashes.
Foot Protection
Rubber or Neoprene safety shoes with built-in steel toe caps are
recommended for workers handling drums or other heavy containers of
epichlorohydrin. Rubber overshoes may be worn over leather safety shoes.
If leather shoes become contaminated with epichlorohydrin, they should be
removed immediately and the feet washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Leather articles (including shoes) cannot be decontaminated and should be
destroyed. Other contaminated clothing must be laundered before reuse.
Rubber or Neoprene give temporary protection if splashed with
epichlorohydrin. Rubber articles must be washed
after use. If subsequent inspection shows deterioration or that the
articles are still contaminated, they should be destroyed.
Body, Skin, and Hand Protection
Contaminated clothing must be removed promptly and should be laundered
before reuse. Facilities for personal cleanliness generally provided as
hygiene measures are essential with employees who handle epichlorohydrin.
They should was their hands thoroughly with soap or mild detergent and
water before eating, smoking, using toilet facilities, and at the end of
the day.
Protective clothing made of an impervious material such as
rubber, polyethylene, or Neoprene, may be worn to protect the skin against
epichlorohydrin splashes. Rubber is penetrated slowly by epichlorohydrin
and rubber articles wet by epichlorohydrin should be washed off
immediately. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is penetrated more readily than
rubber and is suitable only for temporary protection. Protective clothing
should be discarded at the first sign of deterioration. If gross
contamination occurs, discard these garments. All protective clothing
should be routinely replaced on a periodic basis.
Fire Fighting
General
"Alcohol-type" foam is an effective extinguishing agent for fires involving
epichlorohydrin. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishers are
suitable for use on small epichlorohydrin fires. If ECH containers are
exposed to the heat or the fire, use water spray to keep them cool. Water
spray may also be used to flush burning spills away from exposure
Special Hazards
Toxic fumes may be generated in fires involving epichlorohydrin. The most
common of these is toxic and irritating hydrogen chloride gas. Under
certain conditions, lethal phosgene and carbon monoxide gases also may be
formed. ECH fumes are highly corrosive when exposed to moist air. Firemen
should be equipped with NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus.
