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Kiev Research Institute of Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Diseases
Monoethanolamine benzoate (BMEA) is widely used as an inhibitor of atmospheric corrosion of metals in the form of inhibited paper of the “BMEA” brand to protect CRT steel produced by metallurgical enterprises.
BMEA is white flat crystals, soluble in water, ethanol, molecular weight - 183, melting point - plus 141 - 145 ° С. It is obtained by reacting benzoic acid (BA) with monoethanolamine (MEA).
It has been established that workers engaged in the production of inhibited paper are exposed to aerosol of benzoic acid, monoethanolamine vapors in concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible concentration, and in some workplaces - to high temperatures during the warm season.
Improvement of working conditions of workers should be aimed at reducing the concentration of chemicals in the zone of their breathing. On the basis of hygienic research, we, together with the Institute's OKB staff, have developed a panel-type suction device for the mixer, which reduces the concentration of chemicals and prevents them from entering the breathing zone of workers. It is also necessary to mechanize the supply of raw materials, increase the efficiency of supply and exhaust ventilation, cover the places where inhibitors are released and equip them with local ventilation.
Meteorological conditions in the workshop for receiving inhibited papers must comply with the sanitary standards of GOST 12.1.005-76. The drying chamber, which is a heat source, must be thermally insulated. The temperature on its surface should not exceed 35 ° C.
Those working with inhibitors must be provided with personal protective equipment: for the respiratory organs - a hose-type respirator SHG or a respirator ShB-1 of the "Petal" type; for the skin - hydrophobic ointments such as Zinc stearia ointment No. 1 of Selissky or Chumakov's water-repellent paste.