Safe handling of enzymes

26/04/2020

2 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION WHAT ARE ENZYMES?

POTENTIAL RISKS OF ENZYME EXPOSURE REDUCTION OF ENZYME EXPOSURE AGENDA

3 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION What are Enzymes?

 Special kind of proteins found in all living matter.

 Vital for life, but not living substances themselves  Catalysts - accelerate chemical reactions  Specific and efficient in very small amounts  In laundry detergents they break up stains so they can be washed away more easily

4 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION WHAT ARE ENZYMES?

POTENTIAL RISKS OF ENZYME EXPOSURE REDUCTION OF ENZYME EXPOSURE AGENDA

5 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Potential Adverse Effects of Enzymes  Primary Irritation (eyes, skin, mucous membranes)  Proteases  Allergy  Only through inhalation (not through skin contact)  Like allergy to other soluble proteins (pollen, mold, animal dander)

INDUSTRIAL ENZYMES ARE

NOT

TOXIC

6 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Prevention of Skin and Eye Irritation Avoid direct contact with enzymes Moisture increases irritation Use personal protective equipment Goggles and face shields Gloves Keep high personal hygiene standard

7 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Main Causes of Allergy Development Individual predisposition Genetically (“atopics”) Smoking habits Physical form of the allergen Particle size Exposure pattern Level Time Frequency

8 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Allergens  Allergens (e.g. pollen, house dust mites, molds, hair from dog/cat, etc. ) are proteins.

 Proteins in the form of dust may cause allergy when inhaled.

 Enzymes are proteins.

 Enzymes may therefore also cause allergy when inhaled.

9 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Allergy Development ALLERGENS SENSITIZATION SYMPTOMS DUST CONTROL MEDICAL SURVAILLANCE

10 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Dust Control Personal protection  Equipment  Face masks, Respirators   Goggles, Gloves  Full Body Protection Personal Hygiene  Shower  Clothing  Training  Procedures  Allergy Information

11 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Sensitization vs. Allergy Sensitization  Your body makes specific antibodies against the enzyme  No symptoms Allergy  After repeated enzyme exposure  Antibodies cause symptoms  Symptoms are immediate or delayed  Symptoms are reversible

12 26/04/2020 Allergy NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFI CATIONS Sensitization:  A state where a person has developed specific antibodies to an allergen, e.g. pollen, flour, etc…  Can be detected by “Skin Prick Test” or RAST  Without symptoms is not a disease  Is induced by inhalation of allergens, e.g. dust  Sensitization is lifelong!

13 26/04/2020 Allergy NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION DEFINITIONS AND CLARIFI CATIONS Allergy:  Some sensitized people develop allergy symptoms  Asthma or Hay-Fever  Symptoms disappear when out of exposure  Symptoms reoccur when re-exposed  Enzyme allergy is a occupational disease

14 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Allergy symptoms         Itching & irritation of eyes Sneezing Nasal or sinus congestion Coughing Tightness of chest Hoarseness Shortness of breath Asthma

15 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION WHAT ARE ENZYMES?

POTENTIAL RISKS OF ENZYME EXPOSURE REDUCTION OF ENZYME EXPOSURE AGENDA

16 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Enzyme Safety Program  Goal  To prevent sensitization and allergic reactions by controlling inhalation of dust and aerosols  Elements of the program  Enzyme product formulation  Engineering control  Good work practices

17 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Enzyme Product Formulation Powders Very high potential for dust generation Use of powders should be avoided Granulates (encapsulated/ coated enzymes) Low dust generation Potential dust generation from crushed granulates Liquids Potential aerosol generation Potential dust generation from dried spills

18 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Engineering Control  Systems, processes, or equipment that reduce dust or aerosols at the source  The primary way that dust and aerosols are controlled  Tell your supervisor/safety officer of any ideas for improving the control of dust and aerosols

19 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Engineering Control  Contained handling systems  Avoid conveyors that may break up enzymes  Enclosures  Enclose operations such as filling stations that have the potential to generate dust or aerosols  Local exhaust ventilation  Use for operators where dust and aerosols are unavoidable Types of Engineering Controls

20 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Good Work Practices 1    Avoid direct contact with enzymes and enzyme contamination on clothes Avoid generation of dust or aerosols Remove spills immediately  No sweeping or high pressure washing  Vacuum only with HEPA filters  Moisten to remove completely

21 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Good Work Practices 2   Wear personal protection when needed (exposure can’t be eliminated) Keep high personal hygiene standard    Wash hands often Change work clothes frequently A shower is recommended before going home

22 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Good Work Practices 3  Good work practices are of special importance around high risk operations   Addition of enzymes to the process, i.e. spray delivery systems Mixing/Blending   Handling empty containers Maintenance of ventilation systems

23 4/26/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Air and Medical Monitoring   Air sampling is conducted to asses the levels of enzyme aerosols (dusts or mists)  Looking for levels to be under 60ng/m3   Utilize high-volume air samplers to collect aerosols on a filter for analysis High levels may result in changes to equipment, engineering controls, or PPE for exposed employees Medical monitoring looks for early signs of problems  Includes skin prick/RAST testing and lung function testing

24 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION SUMMARY     Enzymes are NOT toxic.

Like other proteins (molds, pollen, animal etc..) enzymes may cause allergic reactions in susceptible persons.

Allergy symptoms occur in susceptible persons via inhalation of fine air-borne enzyme dust (< 50 micron).

Irritation (eyes, skin, mucous membranes) is induced by protease only.

25 26/04/2020 NOVOZYMES PRESENTATION Safety First!

Primary Safety Goal: • Avoid generation and inhalation of dust or aerosols This can be achieved by: • Enzyme product design • Engineering controls • Good Work Practices including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

THANK YOU!