Scenario
A technician employed by a surface-refinishing business died from inhalation exposure to methylene chloride and methanol vapors while she used a chemical stripper to prep the surface of a bathtub for refinishing. The technician was working alone without respiratory protection or ventilation controls in a small bathroom of a rental apartment.
The apartment complex manager went to the apartment unit where the employee had been working and called 911 and found her unresponsive, slumped over the bathtub.
The apartment manager and first responders reported a strong chemical odor in the apartment. There was an uncapped gallon can of Klean Strip Aircraft® Low Odor Paint Remover (80-90% methylene chloride, 5-10% methanol) in the bathroom.
The factors contributing to this lethal exposure include use of a highly concentrated methylene chloride chemical stripper having poor warning properties ("Low Odor"); working in a small room without local exhaust ventilation to remove chemical vapors or provide fresh air; and working without a respirator that could have protected the employee from exposure.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are made to prevent future occurrences:
- Provide all employees with training regarding the hazardous substances in their work area at the time of initial assignment and when new chemical hazards are introduced, in accordance with OSHA's hazard communication standard.
- Substitute less hazardous products or methods to remove tub or sink surfaces that do not involve methylene chloride compounds.
- If using methylene chloride based products, adhere to requirements of OSHA's methylene chloride standard regarding hazard communication, regulated areas, exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and exposure control methods to maintain exposures below the Action Level.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-5. If you were told to use a hazardous chemical to do a job, what should your supervisor do first?
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