“In February 2012, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to refinish a bathtub was found dead, slumped over a bathtub in an unventilated bathroom.”
OSHA and the NIOSH- supported FACE program have linked at least 14 worker deaths with stripping agents containing methylene chloride since 2000.
OSHA and NIOSH released a Hazard Alert, encouraging employers to use alternative, less hazardous chemicals or methods to eliminate the use of methylene chloride, when possible. They also offer suggestions for using safe work practices, such as using adequate ventilation, supplying workers with respiratory protection as well as protective clothing and equipment and providing workers with training
in accord with OSHA’s Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) and other applicable standards, such as the Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and the Personal Protective Equipment standard (29 CFR 1910.132).
in accord with OSHA’s Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) and other applicable standards, such as the Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and the Personal Protective Equipment standard (29 CFR 1910.132).
Methylene chloride, is a volatile, colorless liquid with many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning and degreasing. Exposure to the chemical can be risky, since the smell is only detectable when the level in the air is higher than OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs).
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