|
|
|
Occupational Exposure to Methylene Chloride
(Dichloromethane) CAS# 75014
29CFR 1910.1052 Summary of Requirements
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) = 25 part per
million (ppm) 8-hour Time-weighted Average (TWA); 125 ppm for a
15-minute TWA (STEL)
Action Level = 12.5 ppm 8-hour TWA
| Requirement |
> TWA or STEL |
³ Action Level
but < TWA |
< Action Level |
| Initial Monitoring |
Where present |
Where present1 |
Where present1 |
| Periodic Monitoring2 |
Quarterly |
Every 6 months |
No |
| Employee Notification of
Monitoring Results |
Within 15 working days3 |
Within 15 working days |
Within 15 working days |
| Employee Observation of
Monitoring |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Regulated Work Areas |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Respiratory Protection |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Respiratory Protection
Program |
Yes |
No4 |
No4 |
| Feasible Engineering and
work practice controls |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Job Rotation |
Not Allowed |
--- |
--- |
| Leak and Spill Detection and
Repair |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Skin or Eye Protective
clothing5 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Hygiene Facilities6 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Medical Surveillance7 |
Yes |
Yes |
Not required |
| Hazard Communication on
labels and MSDSs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Employee Information and
Training |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Records Retention- Objective
Data |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Yes8 |
| Records Retention- Exposure
Monitoring |
30 years |
30 years |
30 years |
| Records Retention- Medical
Surveillance |
Employment
+ 30 years |
Employment
+ 30 years |
Not Applicable |
| Transfer of Records |
Consistent with 1910.1020 (h) |
Consistent with 1910.1020 (h) |
Consistent with 1910.1020 (h) |
-
Documentation of objective data indicating that MC can not
be released in air concentrations Action
Level or > STEL can be used instead of initial monitoring.
Also, representative data obtained between April 10, 1996 and
April 10, 1997 can be used for the initial monitoring data as
long as conditions are similar. If exposures are less than 30
days per year and direct reading data is sufficient to
determine appropriate controls, initial monitoring is not
needed.
-
The frequency of periodic monitoring can be decreased when
two consecutive measurements, taken at least seven days apart,
indicate exposures less than or equal to the PEL. Periodic
monitoring can be discontinued when two consecutive
measurements, taken at least seven days apart, indicate
exposures less than the Action Level or less than or equal to
the STEL. Additional monitoring should be conducted when there
is a change in workplace conditions that indicates employee
exposures may have increased. Examples include changes in
products, processes, control equipment, work practices, leaks,
ruptures or break downs.
-
If monitoring results are greater than the PEL-TWA or STEL,
the written notification must describe the corrective action
planned and schedule for completion of action.
-
For required or voluntary use of tight fitting
respirators, a Respiratory Protection Program is required that
as a minimum, meets requirements of 1910.134. If voluntary use
is allowed for disposable dust masks selected for nuisance
levels of organic vapors, information should be provided to
those employees from Appendix D of 1910.134.
-
Protective equipment should be provided free of charge
where there is potential for skin or eye contact with MC. The
PPE should be cleaned, laundered or repaired as needed to
maintain the effectiveness of the protection. Employers are
responsible for disposal of contaminated PPE.
-
For reasonably foreseeable skin contact with solutions
with
0.1% MC, readily available wash facilities should be provided
to rinse MC from skin or eyes.
-
There are a number of specific Medical Surveillance
provisions in 1910.1052 (j) including provisions for Medical
Removal Protection. You should consult that section of the
standard for applicable medical provisions as well as your
company physician. Although baseline medical evaluations are
not required, it may be prudent to obtain baseline information
for employees who may potentially be exposed to MC, even at
concentrations below the Action Level.
-
Objective data should be retained as long as there is
reliance on that data.
The information contained in this document is believed to be
accurate and has been provided for assistance with requirements
for the OSHA Methylene Chloride standard. You should contact
your local OSHA office for interpretations of this or any OSHA
standard.
|
| |
|
