Certified Ethylene Oxide in a Healthcare Specialist Course (CEOGS)

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to help employers understand how to monitor the quality of the air in workplaces where ethylene oxide (EtO) is processed, used, or handled. Air monitoring is an important activity that can alert employers when unsafe levels of EtO are present, enabling them to take timely action to reduce employee exposure.

EtO can be used more safely if appropriate precautions are taken and if equipment is adequately designed and maintained. This course provides the knowledge and techniques necessary to ensure a safer working environment and minimize the health risks associated with EtO exposure.

Learning Outcomes

Clarifies the different types of EtO exposure monitoring.
List and explain the exposure levels used by OSHA.
Reviews the exposure monitoring requirements in OSHA’s EtO rules.
Outlines the monitoring decisions that the employer needs to make when employees work in areas where EtO is present.

Topics covered:
Health and fire hazards of ethylene oxide.
How can you be exposed to ethylene oxide?
How do we control your ethylene oxide exposure?
How to protect yourself from ethylene oxide.
Use of respirators.
Medical surveillance & medical removal.
OSHA rules on ethylene oxide.

Requirements / Prerequisites

none

Target Audience

Healthcare facility safety officers, sterilization technicians, hospital and clinical managers, environmental health and safety (EHS) professionals, and laboratory personnel handling EtO.