In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss methyl bromide.

Methyl bromide is a colourless non-flammable gas which is heavier than air and odourless at low concentrations. It is widely used as a fumigant and pesticide to prevent unwanted pests such as insects and rodents in shipping containers. Methyl bromide is a very toxic fumigant gas that can be absorbed through inhalation and the skin.

Guest Bio:

Terry Gorman (pictured left with host Mark Reggers) is a Certified Occupational Hygienist who has been involved in workplace safety for nearly 30 years. He has worked for 3M Australia and New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division for 18 years.

Terry is a current member of the Australian/New Zealand Standard Committees responsible for respiratory protection (AS/NZS 1715 & 1716) as well as the Eye/Face Protection Standards Committee (AS/NZS 1337 & 1338).

He currently represents Standards Australia on the International Standards Organisation (ISO) Committee TC94/SC15, a team of international specialists creating a set of global respiratory standards.

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In this episode, Mark & Terry discuss the following:

• What industries and workplaces can methyl bromide be found?
• What affect can it have on workers?
• When are workers most at risk from methyl bromide?
• What is the workplace exposure standard for methyl bromide?
• What types of controls measures may be suitable for methyl bromide?
• If these higher control options are not adequate and respiratory protection is required, is an organic type A rated filter cartridge suitable for methyl bromide?
• For those workplaces that may have potential exposures to methyl bromide, where can they go to get further information?

Workers are usually exposed to methyl bromide while working in shipping containers by breathing in gas trapped within the container or between packages inside the container. They may also come into contact with methyl bromide when handling contaminated packages. Depending on exposure levels it can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, tremors, slurred speech and irritation to the eyes, respiratory system and skin. Exposure to high concentrations may cause fluid in the lungs or death. Tune in as we take a closer look at methyl bromide and the required control measures and respiratory equipment required to manage the risks and ensure worker safety

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript
• SafeWork Australia – Managing the risk of methyl bromide when unpacking shipping containers Information Sheet
• Australian Government Department of Environment – methyl bromide
• 3M Centre for Respiratory Protection

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.