![]() Additionally re testing must be conducted every 3 months until compliance is achieved ![]() If the results exceed the action level of 12.5 ppm but are below the TWA of 25 ppm, and are within the STEL of 125 ppm, the employer must begin medical surveillance of the exposed employees by the dates outlined in the table. All that is necessary is to document the test and keep it on file (If OSHA determines that the test results were inaccurate and/or incorrectly conducted – the employer may be considered in violation). Minimal action is required If the monitoring results are at or below the OSHA guidelines (15 minute STEL under 125 ppm and airborne concentration below the action level of 12.5 ppm. A list of manufactures and venders is included with this product bulletin. It is essential to follow the manufacture’s instructions exactly to achieve an accurate test result. These testing devices can be purchased with the analysis pre-paid. These tubes are also sent to a lab for analysis. This is normally conducted at strategic locations in the shop to simulate employees breathing zones. They are attached to a device that draws in a volume of sample air. These are glass tubes that act in a similar fashion to the badges. The alternative for in house testing is by the use of glass detector tubes (Drager). Once the test has completed the monitor is sent to a lab for analysis. These particular monitors absorb the chemical vapor at the same rate as the subject. These are similar to the radiation monitors worn by x-ray technicians. The simplest are badges that are worn by the employees on their collars for a typical 8-hour shift. There are two basic types of monitoring systems available. Monitoring can be accomplished in house or by an independent testing service. These samples must represent: a) Full shift exposure (8 hr Time Weighted Average-TWA) b) 15 minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL), for each shift, for at least one employee in each job class in each work area where MEC can be present. According to the new standard, employers must conduct initial monitoring to determine their employees’ exposure to MEC by taking one or more personal breathing zone air samples. This must be conducted by the initial monitoring deadline as outlined above. The first step is to determine the exposure level of methylene chloride (MEC) to the employees in the facility. If the results indicate exposures above 25 ppm, you must either remove MEC from the workplace or install engineering controls to lower the vapor levels. You are also required to conduct air sampling every 3 monthsĥ. If the results indicate exposures above the action level of 12.5 ppm (but below 25 ppm) you must provide for medical surveillance, employee training and record keeping of all employees exposed to MEC. If the level is less than 12.5 ppm, no further action is required.Ĥ. ![]() Notify employees within 15 working days after receipt of monitoring results.ģ. Conduct air sampling of a representative sample of employees to determine the actual eight hour time weighted exposure level.Ģ. As of this date, all employers who’s facilities have Methylene Chloride present, are required to do the following:ġ. The final action date of this standard is April 10, 2000. This standard became effective on Apand has been phased in over a period of 3 years. In addition, it established a short-term (15-minute) exposure limit, or STEL of 125 ppm and an action level for a concentration of airborne MEC at 12.5 ppm (8-hour TWA) On January 10, 1997, OSHA issued its final standard lowering the workplace exposure limit for Methylene Chloride (MEC) from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 25 ppm as an 8-hour time?weighted average (TWA). Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Methylene Chloride Standard FR 62:1494-1619
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