If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to tetrachloroethylene, then wear suitable personal protection equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TETRACHLOROETHYLENE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

AT CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE THE NIOSH REL, OR WHERE THERE IS NO REL, AT ANY DETECTABLE CONCENTRATION: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for tetrachloroethylene is 150 ppm. Carcinogenic effects of this compound were not considered in determining the IDLH value. The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

NOTE: The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for tetrachloroethylene has not been established.

NOTE: NIOSH has classified this material as a potential occupational carcinogen, according to specific NIOSH criteria, with no recommended exposure limit (REL). This classification is reflected in these recommendations for respiratory protection, which specify that only the most reliable and protective respirators be worn at any detectable concentration. The requirements in jurisdictions may vary.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.

Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

Chemical protective gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing. Have a safety shower and eyewash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

Guidelines for Perchloroethylene (tetrachlorethylene):

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Polyvinyl alcohol, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), 4H(TM), Barricade(TM), CPF3(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem, HPS(TM), Tychem 10 000(TM).

CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Nitrile rubber.

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Saranex(TM).

NOTE: Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less). Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.