FMMC 10-22 –  ENERGY RECOVERY UNIT SAFETY

Revised: July 18, 2012
Reviewed: December 2013

Procedure when working in Energy Recovery Fan Systems:

Radioactive materials are used in some laboratory hoods, but employee exposure was not detected during previous surveying conducted by the University Radiation Safety Office. Biological and chemical contaminants may be present within some laboratory hoods, but the spread of these contaminants to the energy recovery units is unlikely, considering the previously mentioned dilution effect. Because of the dilution effect, the wide variety of materials used in laboratory hoods, and the sporadic or unpredictable use of these materials, it would be impractical to attempt to quantify employee exposure as an indicator of the necessary PPE. Considering this uncertainty and the lack of quantifiable employee exposure data to assure employee protection against potential air contaminants by utilizing the following respiratory protection:

Half - face or full - face organic vapor cartridge respirator

Dust, mist, fume, and radionuclide pre - filters for the organic vapor respirators.

Employees who wear respirators must be included in a continuing and effective respiratory protection program. Exposure to significant amounts of dust or dirt is possible during the maintenance of ERU's. Under normal circumstances, skin exposure to dust is not a hazard, but considering the potential for other contaminants within the dust, you may choose to provide the following additional protection:

Gloves Goggles (if half - face respirators are used instead of full - face).

Protective clothing, such as hooded Tyvek suits

All protective clothing should be disposed of at the worksite. Additionally, employees should be provided with adequate facilities for showering if necessary following maintenance of the ERU's.