The best and effective strategy to minimize the exposure levels of styrene would be to substitute it with a less hazardous substance to clean the residue off the parts. Tert-Butyldimethylsily is a suitable substitute for styrene. It is more effective than styrene with fewer handling restrictions. Tert-Butyldimethylsily has a lower vapor pressure, which reduces emissions and a higher flash point, which reduces risk of fire hazard occurring (Popov, Lyon, & Hollcroft, 2016).
Also, it will be appropriate to use the administrative control to minimize the exposure levels. I will provide Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) that will guide the employees on the appropriate ways of handling and also storing this chemical. It will be significant also to put signage on the containers of this chemical indicating the hazards and risks that they can pose and as well show them the appropriate personal protective equipment to use.
Even if administrative control is possible for the work being done, engineering controls should still be implemented (Popov et al., 2016). General mechanical ventilation should be installed to reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants. Since the cleaning is being performed in a small room then general ventilation should be adequate. If installing a new ventilation system is not possible or affordable then work practice controls should be implemented (Popov et al., 2016). Workers in the paint department should rotate in and out of the area and more frequent breaks should be taken in order to limit their total exposure to a level below OSHA’s personal exposure limit.
Suppose work practices cannot be changed then personal protective equipment should be used. The employer should provide vapor respirators to the employees working in the paint department (Popov et al., 2016). The employees should be trained on the proper use of the respirators and management should strictly enforce their use.