Methylene Chloride
(training required IF chemical is found in your workplace)
Methylene Chloride
Methylene Chloride (MC) is a widely used solvent, and can be found in paint strippers, furniture refinishing materials, metal cleaning products and polyurethane foam manufacturing.
MC is a clear, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. It can be mixed with other chemical ingredients in the product. MC evaporates readily, so the primary concern is with airborne exposure or direct contact with the skin.
Harmful Effects of Exposure
MC enters the body through inhalation, direct skin contact or through ingestion. MC will severely irritate the eyes and skin. The health effect from MC exposure can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Short-term exposure to MC creates symptoms such as headaches, light-headedness, mental confusion, nausea and vomiting. Continued exposure can lead to unconsciousness or even death.
Long-term exposure to MC can have adverse effects upon the heart, central nervous system and liver. There is suggestive evidence that MC is a human carcinogen.
OSHA has set exposure limits for MC of:
- 25 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour Time Weighted Average Permissible Exposure Limit (TWA PEL).
- 125 ppm as a 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL).
Air Monitoring
Air monitoring must be done, and the results must be available to employees within 15 days. The air monitoring tests must be made at the highest probable employee exposure.
If the MC exposure limits are exceeded, that work area must be marked off to show that it is a regulated area. Only authorized persons are allowed inside of the regulated area. If the job could create exposure above the limits, workers must be provided with atmospheric-supplying respirators.
Employers are required to supply other personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary and a clean hygiene facility for workers to dress and wash up.
Employers must make medical surveillance available for employees who are or may be exposed to MC.
Employee Training
OSHA requires that all employees that are exposed to MC must receive specific training on MC beyond what is required by the Hazard Communication Standard.
When exposure exceeds the action level (12.5ppm TWA), training must be provided which provides MC hazard information, information on the medical surveillance program, where and how employees could be exposed to MC, along with the safety precautions the company has taken to protect workers.
Training Tips
Review §1910.1052 and §1910.1200.
Using the employee handout, review with employees the requirements of §1910.1052 and §1910.1200 as they relate to MC.
Tell employees where the company’s written compliance program can be found. Point out the location of MSDSs.
Describe operations which could result in exposure and discuss the quantity, location, manner of use, release and storage of MC.
Provide information on engineering controls, work practices, emergency procedures and PPE which the company uses to control worker exposure to MC.
Describe the purpose and use of the medical screening and surveillance program.
For more information see:
29 CFR 1910.1052—Methylene Chloride
29 CFR 1910.1200—Hazard Communication
The company’s written compliance program
Methylene Chloride Handout
Methylene chloride (MC), also called dichloromethane, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Methylene chloride is used in various industrial processes, in many different industries including paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing. Not all people are able to detect MC by smell.
MC can enter the body through breathing, by direct skin contact or through ingestion. MC will irritate the eyes and skin.
/ Methylene Chloride | 1There is evidence which suggests that MC is a human carcinogen.
Employer Response
Your employer is responsible to test the air in the workplace for each employee who could be exposed to MC. Test results must be made available to employees within 15 days.
Your employer will explain:
- The requirements of §1910.1052 and §1910.1200 as it relates to MC.
- The location of any regulated areas in the workplace.
- Operations which cause exposure to MC, and the quantity, location manner of use, release and storage of MC.
- Engineering controls and work practices the company uses to control MC.
- The location of MSDSs and the written company compliance program.
Exposure: First Aid
Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical aid.
Skin: In case of contact, flush skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritationdevelops and persists. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouthto an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Getmedical aid.
Methylene Chloride Sign–Off Sheet
The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on Methylene Chloride. The session covered:
- Dangers of exposure to methylene chloride.
- Locations of any regulated areas in the worksite.
- Operations in the workplace which could result in exposure.
- Purpose of the medical screening and surveillance program.
- Location of MSDSs in the workplace.
- Location of the company’s written compliance program.
Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME
______
Supervisor’s Signature