G2: Addressing Methylene Chloride Use in Research — TSCA, OSHA, and the Lab Environment

Kansas City Convention Center 

Room: 3501 A 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule regulating methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Laboratories and research operations are impacted by this new rule and have an aggressive timeline to implement all requirements. The TSCA methylene chloride rule prohibits most uses of methylene chloride, but allows use as a laboratory chemical with strict requirements. Requirements include exposure monitoring (by May 5, 2025), recordkeeping, and a workplace chemical protection program (by October 30, 2025). This regulation is a significant departure for laboratories, which have functioned under the provisions of the performance-oriented OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) since 1990. The new EPA rule is not aligned with existing OSHA requirements. Quickly, EH&S personnel must address: a) where and how methylene chloride is used; b) which uses can continue; c) an initial exposure monitoring plan; and d) a workplace chemical protection program. This session will provide perspectives from members of the AIHA LHSC and their journey to comply with this new rule.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Prepare a compliance program for methylene chloride.
• Implement a workplace chemical protection program.
• Incorporate methylene chloride into chemical hygiene plans.
• Discuss strategies used for each phase of the process.
• Strengthen professional networks during the session. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Academia/Education

Healthcare/Pharma

Laboratories

Hazard Recognition/Exposure Assessment

Laboratory Health and Safety

Risk Assessment and Management