Occupational Exposure to Methylene Chloride 29 CFR CFR CFR

OSHA Chemical Description Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon, chemical formula - CH 2 CL 2Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon, chemical formula - CH 2 CL 2 Fat solubleFat soluble Non-flammableNon-flammable Volatile compoundVolatile compound Metabolized to formaldehyde and carbon monoxideMetabolized to formaldehyde and carbon monoxide

METHYLENE CHLORIDE n Colorless liquid with a mild sweet odor. n A solvent which is used in many different types of work activities, such as paint stripping, foam manufacturing, cleaning and degreasing. n Employees exposed to it are at increased risk of developing cancer, effects on the heart, central nervous system, and liver, skin or eye irritation. n Exposure may occur through inhalation, absorbed through the skin or through contact with the skin. n Used in paint & varnish remover, in aerosols, in metal cleaning, and extractions of fats and oils from food products.

OSHA Uses of Methylene Chloride Blowing agent in foam manufacturingBlowing agent in foam manufacturing Solvent in aerosol productsSolvent in aerosol products Solvent in manufacturingSolvent in manufacturing Cleaning and degreasing solventCleaning and degreasing solvent Component of paint strippersComponent of paint strippers

OSHA Health Effects Causes headaches, decreased attention span, disorientation and loss of consciousness after high exposuresCauses headaches, decreased attention span, disorientation and loss of consciousness after high exposures Metabolizes to carbon monoxide which increases the risk of heart attackMetabolizes to carbon monoxide which increases the risk of heart attack Causes irritation to eyes and skin and skin burns after prolonged exposureCauses irritation to eyes and skin and skin burns after prolonged exposure Laboratory studies indicate chronic exposure causes cancerLaboratory studies indicate chronic exposure causes cancer

Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) n Labels on containers n Manufacturing/ importing MDA n Hazard communication program n Location of MSDSs

Potential health hazards Immediate (acute) health effects u Fever u Chills u Loss of appetite u Vomiting u Jaundice u Dermatitis u Anorexia u Dark urine

Potential health hazards n Long-term (chronic effects) n Carcinogenic n Mutagenic n Liver, kidney, blood, or spleen problems

FIRST AID MEASURES Eye contact: Flush eyes w/plenty of water for at least 15 minutes Skin contact: wash skin w/plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing & shoes. Serious skin contact: Wash w/disinfectant soap & cover skin w/anti bacterial cream Inhalation: remove to fresh air, if breathing is difficult give oxygen Inhalation: remove to fresh air, if breathing is difficult give oxygen

FIRST AID MEASURES II Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel to do so. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are swallowed, call a physician immediately.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES SMALL SPILL: Dilute w/water & mop up, or absorb with an inert dry material & place in appropriate waste disposal container. LARGE SPILL: Absorb w/an inert material & put waste in appropriate waste disposal.

HANDLING AND STORAGE n Keep locked up n Keep away from heat n Keep away from sources of ignition n Empty containers pose a fire risk n Do not ingest n Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapor/spray n Operate in sufficient ventilation

Personal protective equipment n Purpose n Proper use n Limitations n Splash Goggles, Lab Coat, Respirator & Gloves.

OSHA (a) Scope and Application Applies to all occupational exposure to methylene chloride in general industry, construction, and shipyard employment. Applies to all occupational exposure to methylene chloride in general industry, construction, and shipyard employment.

OSHA (b) Definitions “Emergency” means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment, which results, or is likely to result in uncontrolled release of MC “Emergency” means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment, which results, or is likely to result in uncontrolled release of MC “Symptom” means central nervous system effects such as headaches, disorientation, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased attention span; skin effects such as chapping, erythema, cracked skin or burns; and cardiac effects such as chest pains or shortness of breath “Symptom” means central nervous system effects such as headaches, disorientation, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased attention span; skin effects such as chapping, erythema, cracked skin or burns; and cardiac effects such as chest pains or shortness of breath

OSHA (e) Regulated Areas Whenever exposures exceed or can reasonably be expected to exceed either 8-hour TWA PEL or STELWhenever exposures exceed or can reasonably be expected to exceed either 8-hour TWA PEL or STEL Access limited to authorized personsAccess limited to authorized persons Respirators must be supplied to persons entering areaRespirators must be supplied to persons entering area Demarcation of areaDemarcation of area Communication with other employersCommunication with other employers

OSHA (f) Methods of Compliance Engineering and work practices controlsEngineering and work practices controls Respirators as supplemental protectionRespirators as supplemental protection Employee rotation as a method of compliance prohibitedEmployee rotation as a method of compliance prohibited Leak and spill detection procedures requiredLeak and spill detection procedures required

OSHA (h) Protective Work Clothing and Equipment Must be worn to prevent skin or eye irritationMust be worn to prevent skin or eye irritation Must be cleaned, laundered, repaired, replaced, disposed of and provided at no cost to employeeMust be cleaned, laundered, repaired, replaced, disposed of and provided at no cost to employee Eye and face protection must meet requirements of 29 CFR or Eye and face protection must meet requirements of 29 CFR or

OSHA (i) Hygiene Facilities Washing facilities provided when employees have potential skin contact with 0.1% or more MC solutionsWashing facilities provided when employees have potential skin contact with 0.1% or more MC solutions Eyewash facilities provided for emergency use when employees have potential eye contact with 0.1% or more MC solutionsEyewash facilities provided for emergency use when employees have potential eye contact with 0.1% or more MC solutions

OSHA (k) Hazard Communication The following hazards associated with MC must be communicated on labels and MSDSs in accordance with 29 CFR , 29 CFR , and 29 CFR :The following hazards associated with MC must be communicated on labels and MSDSs in accordance with 29 CFR , 29 CFR , and 29 CFR : »Cancer »Cardiac effects »Central nervous system effects »Liver effects »Skin and eye irritation

OSHA (l) Employee Information and Training Provided to employees prior to or on initial job assignment and should include the following:Provided to employees prior to or on initial job assignment and should include the following: »Information required under the Hazard Communication Standard »Requirements in the standard and appendices »Quantity, location, manner of use, release, and storage of MC and the specific nature of operations that result in MC exposure