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pardhonsi  
#1 Posted : 20 April 2021 13:39:47(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
pardhonsi

Hi all,

The EU has classified Titanium dioxide in powder form as hazardous if more than 1% of particles have less than 10 micron aerodynamic diameter. It has been decided that waste, containing TiO2 is hazardous only in powder form.

Powders that we use contain Titanium Dioxide. In accordance to the MSDS it has a TWA of 10 mg/m3 8 hours (inhalable dust). TWA of 4 mg/m3 8 hours (respirable dust).

As it will be classified as a carcinogen, will there be any specific control requirements to protect workers?

Currently, there is adequate contained filteration that is serviced twice a year by the manufacturer, plus filters are changed annually. This ensures the process is kept as contained as possible and working effectively. Due to the design of the powder booth, we cannot put additional physical barriers in place, so our operators who might be exposed to any powder wear FFP3 particulate filters, or air fed full head visors. The likelihood of respirable dust traveling has also been controlled with extra filteration further down the line, and there are no persons working in these areas, or likely to pass through.

Just wondering if anyone has further information so I can get ahead and start implementing new controls if required. Will FFP3 be adequate or will it require filters specific for titanium dioxide.

Any info is grately appreciated.

Edited by user 20 April 2021 13:42:27(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

peter gotch  
#2 Posted : 20 April 2021 16:03:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi Pardhonsi

Accepted that it classified as a carcinogen there is no "safe" level of exposure.

Nevertheless, if you are in the UK, the duty is to control exposure so far as reasonably practicable and RPE would certainly be considered a last line of defence. Just because there is no safe level, doesn't mean that if you have effective engineering controls you should need respirators as well. Taking into account all the procedures you need in relation to reliance on RPE this might not be reasonably practicable and you have identified that this is a material for which specific exposure limits have been defined (not always the case with carcinogens).

So, I suggest the starting point is to check how effective the existing local exhaust ventilation is in normal use and assess potential levels of exposure during other operations such as maintenance of the plant.

stevedm  
#3 Posted : 23 April 2021 15:36:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevedm

FFP3 isn't enough...Where the potential exists for exposure over 2.4 mg/m3 for fine Titanium Dioxide, or 0.3 mg/m3 for ultrafine Titanium Dioxide, use an approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure...

There is a CDC document on the link below that may help with background information to the risk..

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-160/pdfs/2011-160.pdf

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