If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective 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 TOLUENE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 500 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s)*; or powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s)*; or gas mask with organic vapour canister; or SAR*; or full-facepiece SCBA.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATION OR IDLH CONDITIONS: 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: Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for toluene is 500 ppm.

NOTE: 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.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self- contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.

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.

Chemical safety goggles, face shield as necessary.

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

Guidelines for toluene:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): polyvinyl alcohol, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), 4H(TM) (polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Barricade(TM), CPF3(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

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

This material is a recognized skin absorption hazard (ACGIH or OSHA).

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 promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas.