Ethylene Oxide (EtO): Understanding OSHA’s Exposure Monitoring Requirements

The purpose of this guidance document 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 help alert employers when unsafe levels of EtO are present in the air so that they can take steps to reduce employee exposure. EtO can be used more safely if appropriate precautions are taken and if equipment is adequately designed and maintained.

This document clarifies the different types of EtO exposure monitoring, lists and explains the exposure levels used by OSHA, Reviews the exposure monitoring requirements in OSHA’s EtO rules, and Outlines the monitoring decisions that the employer needs to
make when employees work in areas where EtO is present.