Ways to Reduce Solvent Vapor Exposure
One of the ways to reduce possible exposure to vapors is to follow your company site safety plan, perform a JSA prior to your task, and make sure you have SDS information on each chemical you are working with.
Some other engineering controls are listed below:
- Eliminate the solvent – this is the most foolproof method, but not always possible. Cleaning can sometimes be done with strong detergents.
- Substitute with a less toxic solvent – the toxicity must be known. Sometimes there is no good substitute.
- Substitute with a less volatile solvent – solvents that evaporate less readily may not give off enough vapors to exceed the PEL.
- Enclosing a process using solvents – prevents vapors from escaping into the air.
- Cover all open-topped containers and tanks during non-use – reduces the time vapors are being emitted into the air.
- Prohibiting the use of the solvent in unventilated enclosed or confined spaces –ventilation will reduce levels in the air.
- General or exhaust ventilation