Methylene Chloride; Final Rule

OSHA is amending its standard regulating occupational exposure to methylene chloride (29 CFR 1910.1052) by adding a provision for temporary medical removal protection benefits for employees who are removed or transferred to another job because of a medical determination that exposure to methylene chloride may aggravate or contribute to the employee's existing skin, heart, liver, or neurological disease. OSHA is also amending the startup dates by which employers in certain identified application groups, i.e., who use MC in certain work operations, must achieve the 8-hour time-weighted-average permissible exposure limit and the dates by which they must achieve the short-term exposure limit by means of engineering controls. On May 4, 1998, OSHA published for comment amendments to the standard along the lines requested in a motion for reconsideration filed by the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), the Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance, Inc., and others. OSHA reopened the rulemaking record for 30 days for the limited purpose of receiving public comment on the amendments (63 FR 24501, May 4, 1998). Based on the rulemaking record and the comments received, OSHA is now adopting the amendments as published, with one minor modification.