by Brianna Crandall — February 12, 2016—Facilities managers overseeing renovation projects need to be aware of the dangers inherent in exposure to methylene chloride, a toxin often present in paint remover used to deglaze bathtubs and other items, as well as alternatives that are available, according to a recent news release from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The death of a 30-year-old worker from acute methylene chloride exposure could have been avoided if his employer had protected him properly from dangerous exposure to the toxin in the paint remover he used to deglaze a bathtub in a Cuyahoga County public housing complex, federal investigators determined in recent weeks.
Following an investigation into the July 29, 2015, death, OSHA cited Cleveland-based Best Touch Tub & Tile LLC for six serious safety violations on January 19. Since 2000, OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have identified at least 14 worker deaths nationwide related to bathtub refinishing using paint removers with methylene chloride.
Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland, said:
This man died tragically and needlessly. OSHA recommends alternative, less hazardous chemicals or methods be used to eliminate exposure to methylene chloride. When employers use products containing methylene chloride, they must train workers to protect themselves. They must also provide adequate ventilation, respiratory protection and protective clothing and proper equipment.
Investigators determined that the employee, on the job for about three years, was working alone to refinish a bathtub in a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority complex. To deglaze the tub, he poured a paint remover “containing 85 to 90 percent methylene chloride” into the bathtub, brushed it on the sides, and began scraping the tub.
With the room’s door closed to prevent fumes from filling the living area, the worker’s only ventilation was the bathroom window kept open with a can of shaving cream. Two hours later, the apartment’s resident found the man unresponsive. The investigation found the worker’s exposure to methylene chloride far exceeded permissible exposure limits.
OSHA cited Best Touch Tub & Tile for failing to:
- Monitor a worker’s exposure to methylene chloride
- Provide medical surveillance
- Train workers in using, storing and taking protective measures to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals used on the job
- Provide adequate respiratory protection
- Develop a respiratory protection program
OSHA has proposed penalties of $25,200. View current citations online.
OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics page on Methylene Chloride (or dichloromethane) has helpful information and links to numerous resources to help employers and managers provide a safe environment for workers and alternatives to this toxic chemical.
