Methylene Chloride Workplace Hazards Result in Costly Proposed OSHA Penalties for Manufacturer

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced that a manufacturer in New Jersey was facing nearly $130k in proposed penalties for workplace hazards. The agency issued ten serious and one other-than-serious safety and health citations to the company.

The OSHA citations related to methylene chloride hazards, including allowing workers to be overexposed to the solvent, and failing to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), eye wash stations, and medical surveillance for workers exposed or potentially exposed to the solvent. The company is also alleged to have failed to implement engineering controls and work practices to reduce employee exposure.

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. It is used in various industrial processes in many different industries. These include paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing.

“In the workplace, the most common means of exposure to methylene chloride is through inhalation and skin contact,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In addition to being a potential occupational carcinogen, there are a number of other serious health concerns associated with exposure. To address these risks and to help keep companies in regulatory compliance, EMSL Analytical offers comprehensive industrial hygiene and environmental testing for methylene chloride and many other industrial chemicals. We also provide all of the sampling supplies needed and carry a wide range of PPE to help mitigate exposure hazards.”

EMSL Analytical sponsored an educational video about methylene chloride and occupational exposure concerns several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/SDGduHBfEQw

To learn more about methylene chloride testing or other occupational, air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .
 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail