Hospitals, Clinics and Private health care facilities

• Endoscopy
• Store rooms
• Pharmacy
• Sterile services departments
• Operating theatre suites

Choice Framework for local Policies and Procedures 01- 01 part D

‘Safe storage provision is needed for containers of chemical additives used in the washer-disinfector.
These chemicals are frequently corrosive, irritant and toxic and provision should be made in, or adjacent to, the storage area for an emergency eye wash station and a source of running water to dilute any spillage. Reference should be made to local COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) provisions.’ Ref CFPP Part D version 1 page 40

HSE: An evaluation of chemical disinfecting agents used in endoscopy suites in the NHS (2007)

Peracetic acid (PAA) is rated as C in the COSHH Essentials hazard group  (medium hazard) and recommends containment in the COSHH Essentials Control Approach. Health risks of PAA exposure is not known by many employers Hospitals commonly use PAA in concentrations that can be harmful to healthcare workers. Spills happen in the confined areas where PPA or other chemicals are used. Endo Chem Store prevents the spill and resulting vapour from entering the air and contains the acid in a safe area, alerting staff, so that correct Personal protection Equipment can be adorned before clean up. Endo Chem Store protects staff from PAA exposure.

• Peracetic Acid (PAA) is a Primary (Severe) Irritant, Known Tumorigen, Possible Animal Carcinogen
• Please compare to the table below

Acute Exposure Guidelines AEGLs for Peracetic Acid (ppm)

	10m	30m	60m	4hrs	8hrs	End Point/Reference
AEGL 1 (Non Disabling)	0.17	0.17	0.17	0.17	0.17	Threshold for irritation (Fraser & Thorbinson 1986; McDonagh 1997)
AEGL 2 (Disabling)	0.51	0.51	0.51	0.51	0.51	Mild Irritation (Fraser & Thorbinson 1986)
AEGL 3 (Lethal)	19.3	9.7	4.8	2.0	1.3	Highest concentration  causing no deaths (Janssen 1989)