Alan,
We have Taxol in powder form which then becomes a solution. Employees wear
full bunny suit, mask and double gloves when dealing with it in either
powder or liquid form. Even then, everything is handled within glove boxes.
In relation to pregnancy, personel are encouraged to talk this through with
Occupational Health, and we discuss the scientific findings on the data
sheet. However, because our exposure level is as low as is reasonably
practical and the powder/solution is well contained, we do not automatically
transfer pregnant female employees out of the area, because we maintain
there is no risk to anyone's health. They remain there unless they
specifically request it.
Thanks for your comments, it's very beneficial. If you have anymore...
Jackie Becker
OH Advisor
Boston Scientific Ireland Ltd.

> ----------
> From:         Swann, Alan B[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent:         06 June 2001 17:45
> To:   'Becker, Jackie'
> Subject:      RE: HealthSurv for cytotoxics
>
> Jackie,
>
> I sympathise. I think that if your assessments show that the taxol is
> effectively contained (what's its form? Solid, powder, liquid etc) then
> your
> workers are not exposed & hence HealthSurv is not required.
> Pre-employment screening to identify susceptibles may be of some value
> e.g.
> identifying those with eczema or other causes of defective skin barrier.
> However, if you have good containment, it would only be those with eczema
> on
> exposed skin who would be at excess risk & maybe use of gloves- I imagine
> standard procedure for all involve- might be sufficient to control this.
> Reasonable also to identify (!) women of child-bearing age to counsel
> against work during pregnancy. Not sure I can think of any others.
> Strict interpretation of COSHH may conclude a health record needs setting
> up, but that does not mean periodic HealthSurv. I think sufficient to
> record
> reported accidental exposures.
> Or am I being cavalier.
> Opinions please!
>
> Dr. Alan Swann, BM, AFOM
> Director of Occupational Health
> Occupational Health Service
> Imperial College Health Centre
> Watts Way
> London
> SW7 1 LU
> Tel:  +44 (20) 7594 9385
> Fax:  +44 (20) 7594 9407
> http://www.ad.ic.ac.uk/occ_health/ <http://www.ad.ic.ac.uk/occ_health/>
>
>
>       -----Original Message-----
>       From:   Becker, Jackie [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>       Sent:   06 June 2001 15:22
>       To:     [log in to unmask]
>       Subject:
>
>       This is my query - on our site we have a potent cytotoxic drug,
> called
>       Paclitaxol (Taxol) that has a R45 classification  ('may cause
> cancer'). We
>       use it for research and development purposes. It has an occupational
>       exposure limit supplied by the manufacturer that we have never
> exceeded nor
>       come anywhere close to exceeding and strict controls are in place
> e.g. PPE,
>       containment and segregation. Our monitoring is done regularly and
> risk
>       assessments done indicate that with all our controls, it is a low
> risk area.
>       According to the data sheet, it is recommended that we do a baseline
>       pre-placement medical examination for those with potential exposure
> to the
>       drug - which we do. However, can someone help me understand
> something - if
>       our OEL is always well below the guideline, this implies no harm to
> health,
>       right? Then what is the purpose of carrying out a medical or
> periodic
>       follow-up if all our other controls that are in place, are working
> for us?
>       If anyone can help me, I would be grateful. Thanks.
>       Jackie Becker
>       [log in to unmask]
>