Hazard characterisation and management of tetramethyl tin in the production of photovoltaic cell transparent conductive oxide layers

Approaches for controlling occupational hazards connected with the use of tetramethyl tin (TMT) in the photovoltaics industry are described. Analysis suggests that routine emissions from large-scale manufacturing facilities using TMT need to be reduced by approximately 90% to comply with toxic gas containment guidelines to protect public health. Thermal afterburners combined with particle filtration can be used to meet these guidelines. Accidental release of the total inventory of TMT at a large-scale plant may present hazards to individuals living about 1 km from the facility´s boundary. Because of these hazards, strategies to prevent in-plant release coupled with community emergency response programs are needed.