Sterigenics Germany GmbH: working safely with ethylene oxide

Sterigenics Germany GmbH: working safely with ethylene oxide

Type of measure: Technical

On 10 November 2020, the winners of the 13th German Hazardous Substance Protection Award (Deutscher Gefahrstoffschutzpreis) were announced in Dortmund, Sterigenics Germany GmbH was one of the winners for their technical solutions for the safe handling of carcinogenic substances. Sterigenics Germany GmbH, Wiesbaden, sterilizes goods with ethylene oxide. Employees wearing self-contained breathing apparatus may only stay in the post-degassing rooms for as long as is necessary to carry out the necessary work. A newly designed forklift truck significantly improves working conditions. It has a gas-tight driver’s cab supplied with breathing air by compressed air cylinders at a slight overpressure. Additionally, further technical measures ensure the safety of the driving staff.

In this video, Knut Alfs introduces the company and their work.

Published December 14, 2020
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Carcinogen(s) involved:

Sector(s) involved

About this case
Company:
Federal Agency for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
Country:
Germany
For more information please contact:
General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

  • The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
  • Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
  • Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.
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