Handling powdered zinc involves several safety hazards and risks. These include potential health effects from inhalation and exposure, as well as the need for specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to exposure limits.

Health Effects:

• Inhalation of zinc oxide can cause respiratory irritation.
• Skin contact may cause irritation. Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/ shower.
• Eye contact can result in irritation, rinse out with plenty of water and remove contact lenses.
• Swallowing may cause gastrointestinal distress, make victim drink water (two glasses at most). Consult doctor if feeling unwell.

Exposure Limits:

• USA ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLV):
• TWA: 2 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
• STEL: 10 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
• USA NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits:
• TWA: 5 mg/m3 (dust and fumes)
• STEL: 10 mg/m3 (fume)
• Ceiling: 15 mg/m3 (dust)
• USA OSHA Table Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants:
• TWA: 5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
• TWA: 15 mg/m3 (total dust)
• TWA: 5 mg/m3 (fume)
• Mexico NOM-010-STPS-2014:
• TWA: 2 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
• STEL: 10 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
• Canada:
• Various provinces have TWA of 2 mg/m3 (respirable particulate matter) and STEL of 10 mg/m3 (respirable particulate matter).

Necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Respiratory Protection: If ventilation is not adequate, use respiratory protection equipment. Up to 0.5 mg/m³: Any air-purifying respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
• Eye Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles.
• Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Gloves made from Polymer laminate are recommended.

Engineering Controls and Hygiene Measures:

• Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to maintain airborne contaminant levels below recommended exposure limits.
• Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in the work area.
• Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling chemical products.
• Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking should be prohibited in areas where the material is handled, stored, and processed. [6] [6] [6] [6] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [3] [4] [5] [5] [7] [7] [7] [8] [4] [9] [3] [2] [2]