OSHA’s methylene chloride standard (1910.1052) is effective and should continue without change, an agency review has concluded.
OSHA announced last week that its recently completed review found the standard annually prevents about 34 deaths and may protect up to 54,000 workers from respiratory and nervous system damage from methylene chloride exposure.
In other news, OSHA is requesting comment as part of its review of the bloodborne pathogens standard (1910.1030). OSHA is asking stakeholders to comment on the necessity of the standard and if it could be modified to reduce employer burden. In addition, the agency is seeking comment on needlestick prevention advances, exposures in nonhospital environments and emerging health risks from bloodborne pathogens.
Comment deadline is Aug. 12.
