Kodak J-314 - Manual (Page 6)

Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in Photographic Processing Facilities
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J-314(ENG) 6
Engineering controls that have
proven to be effective in minimizing
airborne levels of photographic
processing chemicals include:
• Good design and layout for
process flow and ergonomic
considerations
• Using dilution and local exhaust
ventilation
• Providing covers for processing
equipment tanks and chemical
storage tanks
The proper location and layout of
photographic processing operations
is an important element in designing
a safe and healthy workplace.
General ventilation systems have
the potential to recirculate a
significant percentage of the air
returning from the photographic
processing areas. If the general
ventilation system also supplies
non-photographic processing work
areas, it is possible that the
photographic processing odors may
also impact these areas.
Kodak studies of potential worker
exposure during automated
photographic processing operations
have indicated that vapors and
gases can be controlled to acceptable
levels through good general room
ventilation (dilution ventilation).
However, in some cases, local
exhaust for enclosed and/or open
tanks may be recommended.
GOOD FACILITY DESIGN
VENTILATION
for assessing short-term exposures.
New canister samplers allow for the
sample to be drawn in over a much
longer period of time, if desired.
This technique is most useful for
volatile organic hydrocarbons.
Proper ventilation is important to
assure a safe and comfortable indoor
environment for photographic
processing areas. Several common
potential indoor air contaminants
can be associated with photographic
processing. These include: acetic
acid, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia.
These chemicals may be eye and
respiratory tract irritants depending
on their airborne concentrations.
Exposure guidelines and standards
for these chemicals have been
established to prevent significant
eye or respiratory tract irritation in
most workers. Significant eye or
respiratory tract irritation during
normal photographic processing or
maintenance operations may
indicate elevated levels of these
materials and the need for better
control.
General control strategies in order
of preference include:
• chemical substitution (where
possible)
• engineering controls (ventilation,
enclosures, process isolation)
• work practices or administrative
controls (operating procedures,
employee rotation)
• personal protective equipment
(safety glasses, gloves,
respirators)
VENTILATION AND WORK
PRACTICE CONTROL
MEASURES
Direct Reading Instruments
Many different direct reading
instruments are available for air
sampling measurements. Some of
these can be very specific to a
chemical (e.g., sulfur dioxide
analyzers) while others are
nonspecific (e.g., organic vapor
analyzer with photoionization [PID]
or flame ionization [FID] detectors).
Calibrate all instruments before and
after making any measurements.
Samples with Subsequent
Laboratory Analysis
There are many air sampling
techniques that rely on collecting a
known volume of air followed by
laboratory analysis.
Passive diffusion badges are easy
to use and excellent for measuring
many volatile organic compounds.
This method is most useful for
measuring (quantifying) known
airborne contaminants. Although
passive badges are commonly
employed for measuring full shift
average exposures, they also can be
useful for short-term exposure
measurements.
Solid sorbent/tubes/bubblers are
similar in many ways to passive
badges except that air must be
actively drawn through the
sampling device using a calibrated
sampling pump. Numerous
laboratory techniques are available
for specific chemical analysis
following sample collection.
Grab samples refer to collecting a
volume of air at a certain point in
time. This technique can be useful