Methylene chloride

Action level

(a) Scope and application . This section applies to all occupational exposures to methylene chloride (MC), Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 75-09-2, in general industry, construction and shipyard employment. (b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: Action level means a concentration of airborne MC of 12.5 parts per million (ppm) calculated as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA).

PEL

This section means this methylene chloride standard. (c) Permissible exposure limits (PELs)—(1) Eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) PEL. The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of MC in excess of twenty-five parts of MC per million parts of air (25 ppm) as an 8-hour TWA.

Surveillance trigger

(j) Medical surveillance —(1) Affected employees. The employer shall make medical surveillance available for employees who are or may be exposed to MC as follows: (i) At or above the action level on 30 or more days per year, or above the 8- hour TWA PEL or the STEL on 10 or more days per year;

Exam frequency

The employer need not provide the initial surveillance if medical records show that an affected employee has been provided with medical surveillance that complies with this section within 12 months before April 10, 1997. (ii) Periodic medical surveillance. The employer shall update the medical and work history for each affected employee annually.

Record retention

(i) The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee subject to medical surveillance under paragraph (j) of this section. (ii) The record shall include at least the following information: (A) The name and description of the duties of the employee; (B) Written medical opinions; and (C) Any employee medical conditions related to exposure to MC. (iii) The employer shall ensure that this record is maintained for the duration of employment plus thirty (30) years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 .