Methylene Chloride

Methylene Chloride Menu Workers' Rights

Possible Solutions

Controlling the exposure to methylene chloride may be done through engineering controls, administrative actions, and personal protective equipment. Engineering controls include isolating the source and using ventilation systems. Administrative actions include limiting the worker's exposure time and washing facilities. Personal protective equipment includes wearing the proper respiratory protection and clothing. The following resources contain information to help control exposures.

  • Methylene Chloride Small Entity Compliance Guide Fact Sheets. OSHA. Discusses monitoring requirements, suggested engineering and work practice controls, substitutes, respirator use, protective equipment, and compliance schedules for various small businesses. A collection of 11 documents that provide suggestions for controls and work practices in nine industries and operations.
  • Preventing Worker Deaths from Paint Strippers Containing Methylene Chloride. California Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Branch (January 2014). Provides a number of useful resources to help workers and employers select safer paint stripping products and employ proper personal protection, respirators and safe work practices. The site also has education and training materials.
  • NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-149. Provides a physical description, exposure limits, measurement method, personal protection and sanitation, first aid, respirator recommendations, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, and cancer sites.
  • Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication 81-123, (January 1981). Contains information on identification, physical and chemical properties, health hazards, exposure limits, exposure sources and control methods, monitoring, personal hygiene, storage, spills and leaks, and personal protective equipment.
  • Questions and Answers - Methylene Chloride Control in Furniture Stripping. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 93-133, (May 1993). Answers commonly asked questions about the hazards from exposure to methylene chloride. Also describes approaches to controlling methylene chloride exposure during the most common furniture stripping processes.
  • Assisting Furniture Strippers in Reducing the Risk from Methylene Chloride Stripping Formulations. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) In-Depth Survey Report, (March 26, 1999). Provides a report detailing the effectiveness of several different ventilation systems in an effort to reduce methylene chloride exposures in furniture stripping operations. None of the ventilation systems were effective in controlling exposures below the OSHA PEL of 25 ppm.