How is the saponifier used? Most likely answer would be spray application.
This means that an aerosol is produced. If the fume extraction and/or
filtering (exhaust) is insufficient. You might have a suspension of the
saponifier in the air.

I've dealt with Health and Safety issues on several occasion.

In this kind of situation my approach would be:

- Verify that ventilation of the unit is functioning properly. (including
leaks in the venting ducts)
- If the system is filtered... Verify the filters (right kind, no holes, not
clogged).
- At what time is this situation taking place? Sometimes it just happens to
be at the same time as other events... Like just before lunch or quitting
time. It may just be the geometry of the part being processed. Or even
someone in the area working with something else entirely.
- Is there anything else in the area that could cause the problem? It may be
someone in the area working with something else entirely.
- Is there friction between these employees and their supervisor?
- If everything else is fine, take air sample in the area for the suspected
agents (In your case: diethylene glycol butyl ether, MEA and
tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol) while the production has been working for some
time. This should represent a worst case scenario. Compare your results with
exposure limits for this product and detection limits for this product by
the olfactory sense when available.
- Imagine yourself in their place all day with an irritant... That usually
motivates me to find the source of the problem.

Good luck,

Alain Savard, B.Sc.
Chemical Process Analyst
CAE Electronics Ltd.
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----

From:         Lou Hart <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Saponifiers and safety

TechNetters, for about 1 month, we have been using a new saponfier in our
automated cleaner.  Composition is uncertain, the Material Safety Data sheet
says it is less than 60% diethylene glycol butyl ether and less than 35%
monoethanolamine.  The old saponifier was 24.8% "glycol ether category" and
less than 40% monothanolamine, with some amount of tetrahydrofurfuryl
alcohol.  Approximately 8 people (of perhaps 16 in the work area) have
experienced a sore throat and irritation with the new material.  Can anyone
comment?  I wonder if this glycol ether is something especially troublesome.

Many thanks...

Lou Hart

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