St Elizabeth Health Care Cidex® OPA Handling Safety Guidelines
2012
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This module is applicable to managers/supervisors, Cidex OPA® users, and any
employee in the work area of area that may see, be exposed or encounter a Cidex OPA® spill
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Uses of Cidex® OPAA high-level disinfectant
To high level disinfect endoscopic instruments and endocavity ultrasound probes, thermometers, rubber or plastic equipment which cannot be heat sterilized
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Chemical Description Synonyms– OPA, orthophthalaldehyde Clear, pale blue liquid Chemical similarity to gluteraldehyde Lower inhalation/exposure risk than Cidex®
Plus Contains only .55% of active ingredient
(compared to Cidex® Plus at 3.2% gluteraldehyde)
Less time to decontaminate (12 minutes vs. 20 minutes for Cidex® Plus)
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Hazardous ComponentThe active ingredient is ortho-
phthalaldehydeMild irritant
Can produce asthma-like symptoms with heavy inhalation exposure
Active ingredient interacts with proteins and can stain mucous membranes
Excessive soak times can damage instrument and increase potential for staining
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Hazard information Target organ effects:
None Reproductive effects:
Not a reproductive effector. Mutagenic effects:
Not mutagenic in the Ames assay. Sensitization:
May cause sensitization.
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Routes of Exposure Oral:
Not anticipated to be a significant route of occupational exposure. Eye contact:
May cause eye irritation and redness. Skin contact:
May cause skin irritation. Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. Exposure to skin may cause temporary staining.
Ingestion: Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea. Exposure can irritate and discolor the tissues of the mouth, esophagus and other tissues of the digestive tract
OSHA 2012 retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.osha.gov/Publications/glutaraldehyde.pdf
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How employees can reduce exposure Use local exhaust ventilation
GUS STATION
Keep Cidex® OPA solution containers under GUS hood AND keep cap/cover on container
Use only enough OPA to perform the required disinfecting procedure
Avoid skin contact: use PPEAdvanced sterilization products (2012) retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.aspjj.com/us/products/cidex-opa/features-and-benefits
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How employees can reduce exposure (cont.)
Wash gloved hands after handling Cidex® OPA
Wear goggles and face shields when handling ortho-
phthalaldehyde
Cover all containers holding ortho-phthalaldehyde solutions
Attend training classes in safety awareness about use of
and exposure to ortho-phthalaldehyde
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Protective Work Clothing and Equipment
Non-latex gloves (or doubled up latex)
Splash-proof safety goggles
Impervious Gown
Mask
Will stain clothing/shoes
Advanced sterilization products (2012) retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.aspjj.com/us/products/cidex-opa/features-and-benefits
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Cidex OPA®StainThis type of stain can occur on any contact surface including probes, skin, hair, nails, and clothing. PPE protects against staining.
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Cidex OPA®StainThis type of stain can occur on any contact surface including probes, skin, hair, nails, and clothing. PPE protects against staining.
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Spills and Leaks Follow SPIL procedure:
SECURE area: stop the spill with absorbent material
PROTECT yourself and others from the spilled material
INFORM security and your supervisor of spill LEAVE clean-up for trained personnel (that
will be you)
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Spills and Leaks Locate the Spill Kit Put on PPE
Gown, Gloves, Mask, Eye Protection Apply Glute-Out® to spill Start at edges of spill and work inward Wait Five Minutes for Cidex® OPA to be
neutralized
Advanced sterilization products (2012) retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.aspjj.com/us/products/cidex-opa/features-and-benefits
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Spills and Leaks (cont.)
Flush down drain and run water Sweep up any remaining glute-out crystals into
container, tie top and place in trash container Wipe down all areas with soap and water/general
cleaner
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Contact with Cidex® OPA If skin contact has occurred
Immediately wash area of contact with soap and water
Hold affected area under running water for 15 minutes
Seek medical advice through employee health (ER after hours)
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Contact with Cidex® OPA If eye contact has occurred
Eye wash station:wash eyes under running water
Allow water to run for 15 minutes Seek medical advice through employee
health
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Contact with Cidex® OPA If contact with clothing occurs
remove clothing Wash affected area with soap and water Allow water to run over area for 15 minutes Place in air tight bag for washing later Seek medical advice through employee health
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Contact/Exposure Cidex® OPA If direct inhalation occurs
go to well ventilated area immediately
If discomfort or breathing difficulty occurs,
seek medical advice through employee
health
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Contact/ExposureIngestion:
Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth followed by drinking a large quantity of water
Seek medical advice through employee health
OSHA 2012 retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.osha.gov/Publications/glutaraldehyde.pdf
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Contact with Cidex® OPA If you have questions or concerns about Cidex
OPA® Contact your supervisor or the Safety DirectorIf you have concerns about exposure to Cidex OPA® Contact Employee Health Refer to MSDS on intranet/compliance 360
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Storage Keep original bottle tightly closed
Store unused Cidex® OPA in a secure area –outside of patient care areas
Place soak stations in low traffic areas, keep it secured, and cap containers that are not in use
Store at room temperature between 59-86oF Do not store in original bottle past expiration date of 75 days (or
original date, whichever is earlier)Advanced sterilization products (2012) retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.aspjj.com/us/products/cidex-opa/features-and-benefits
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Secondary ContainersRecognizing Cidex® OPA in the workplace Labels:
The name of the chemical (without abbreviations or symbols)
The activation date The expiration date The hazard class Warning
OSHA 2012 retrieved 7/26/2012 from
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/glutaraldehyde.pdf
Warning:High Level Disinfectan
t
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Disposal Unused Cidex® OPA can be poured down drain
without neutralization
Cidex® OPA spills -after neutralizing all contact
surfaces with Glute-Out® sweep into receptacle and
place in bag, tie top prior to placing in trash can.
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Safety tips Become familiar with and be able to recognize sources of
ortho-phthalaldehyde exposure
In case of skin or eye contact, wash with water at eye station immediately and contact employee health or ER
Clean up spills immediately, use PPE, Follow REST plan
Refer to MSDS for more information OSHA 2012 retrieved 7/26/2012 from http://www.osha.gov/Publications/glutaraldehyde.pdf
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ReferencesOSHA (2006) Best Practices for the Safe Use of Glutaraldehyde in Health Care. Retrieved from www.osha.gov/Publications/glutaraldehyde.pdf
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