Labconco Protector Work Stations 3930021 - Manual (Page 36)

Chapter 5: Appropriate Applications for Your Enclosure
Product Service 1-800-522-7658 32
Hazardous Misapplications for Carbon
Filters with Volatile Chemicals
There is one scenario where the accessory carbon filter misapplication would be a
part of a hazardous condition. If the user continues to operate the enclosure with
any of the following conditions present a potentially hazardous condition will exist:
1. The inlet concentration of vapors is greater than the TWA.
2. The carbon filter becomes saturated.
3. The ventilation of the room is insufficient to dilute the exhaust of the
enclosure to below the TWA for the chemical.
When the inlet concentration is greater than the TWA, extra measures must be
taken to monitor the filter and number of room air exchanges.
Chemical Carcinogen Use with Carbon
Filters
Selected carcinogens may be used safely with carbon filters under the following
restrictions.
The use of a vented fume hood or ventilated enclosure with
ducting to the outside is always the preferred method when
working with carcinogens. The carbon filters should only be
used as a last resort when venting to the outside is not an
option.
The potential carcinogens are listed in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical
Hazards as “Ca.” Each potential carcinogen must have a TWA of 1 or greater;
have minimum respirator recommendation of Escape GMFOV, and an odor
threshold significantly lower than the TWA for the chemical.
The inlet concentration or the evaporation rate of the chemical must never exceed
the TWA for the chemical.
Consult a Labconco Technical Specialist for estimated saturation life. See Chapter
6 for an example of estimating saturation life. Another source is the Labconco
chemical guide for carbon filtered enclosures.
!