Ketene

CAS: 463-51-4

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RTECS: N/A

OSHA PEL (8-hr TWA) 0.5 ppm OSHA PEL: 0.5 ppm / 0.9 mg/m3

NIOSH REL 0.5 ppm NIOSH REL: 0.5 ppm(ST) 1.5 ppm

IDLH Threshold 5 ppm Imm. Dangerous to Life/Health

Skin Hazard Notation No Dermal standard 29 CFR 1910

Interactive Engine

Ketene Shift Exposure & PPE Compliance Calculator

Input your measured workplace air sample concentration and work shift schedule. The engine applies the Brief & Scala mathematical reduction model to determine legally defensible compliance.

Measured Air Concentration (ppm)

ppm

Work Schedule / Shift Duration

OSHA Compliance Determination Awaiting Sample Input

Adjusted PEL (Brief-Scala)

Hazard Ratio (HR)

Mandated APF Respirator

Enter an air sampling concentration above to evaluate whether your facility triggers the OSHA Action Level (0.5× PEL) or requires mandatory respiratory protection under 29 CFR 1910.134.

Need formal documentation for safety audits?

Generates an instant 1-page OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000 compliance record.

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NIOSH Respirator & Barrier Protection Specifications

Required Cartridge / Filter Organic Vapor (Black)

Certified for concentrations within permissible limits.

Chemical Barrier Gloves Nitrile or Neoprene Chemical Barrier

Prevents transdermal permeation.

NIOSH Respiratory Protocol:

Mandatory NIOSH-approved Organic Vapor (Black) required when airborne concentration exceeds action level under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.

Respirator Equipment Buy Organic Respirator

Dermal Barrier Chemical Barrier Gloves

B2B Industrial Supply Grainger Cartridge Catalog

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ketene Exposure

What is the legal OSHA PEL for Ketene?

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1, the 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Ketene (CAS 463-51-4) is 0.5 ppm. In addition, NIOSH recommends a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.5 ppm.

How do extended 10-hour and 12-hour shifts affect Ketene exposure limits?

Because OSHA PELs are formulated for 8-hour workdays, working 10-hour or 12-hour shifts reduces recovery time. Applying the standard Brief & Scala mathematical model reduces the allowable concentration by a Reduction Factor (RF = 0.700 for 10-hr, RF = 0.500 for 12-hr). For Ketene, an 8-hr PEL of 0.5 ppm adjusts to half that value on a 12-hour shift.

What respirator and PPE is required when handling Ketene?

When atmospheric concentrations exceed the permissible limit up to 10× PEL, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 mandates a half-mask elastomeric respirator equipped with Organic Vapor (Black). For dermal exposure, Nitrile or Neoprene Chemical Barrier are recommended.

What is the IDLH threshold for Ketene?

The Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration established by NIOSH for Ketene is 5 ppm. Any entry into atmospheres at or above this concentration requires positive-pressure supplied air or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

🔬 Related Chemicals Requiring Organic Vapor (Black)

(meta) CAS 99-65-0 (ortho) CAS 528-29-0 (para) CAS 100-25-4 1-Nitropropane CAS 108-03-2 2,3-Epoxy-1-propanol; see Glycidol CAS N/A 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone; see Diisobutyl ketone CAS N/A

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