Download or read book Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Explosions in Industrial Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facilities written by Barry Leonard and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2008-04 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Industrial ethylene oxide (EtO) is among the top 3% of high-vol. chemicals produced in the U.S. Industry has long recognized the value of safe, effective, & efficient sterilization using EtO. The health care & food industries depend on the EtO sterilization industry for sterile products. Oxidizing emission control devices (OECDs) are integrated into some sterilization systems. They remove or destroy small amounts of EtO remaining in a vent stream through oxidation or burning. The EtO concentration in the vent stream must remain well below the flammable or explosive range because OECDs provide a source of ignition that could trigger an explosion in the vent system. This report explains this problem & makes recommendations for protecting workers.