If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR METHYLENE CHLORIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

AT ANY DETECTABLE CONCENTRATION: Positive pressure, full- facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: The NIOSH Recommended Exposure LIMIT (REL) for methylene chloride has not been established.

NOTE: NIOSH has classified this material as a potential occupational carcinogen, according to specific NIOSH criteria, with no recommended exposure limit (REL). This classification is reflected in these recommendations for respiratory protection, which specify that only the most reliable and protective respirators be worn at any detectable concentration. The requirements in Canadian jurisdictions may vary.

The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) approved respirator.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self- contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately dangerous to life or health.

Chemical safety goggles suitable for splash protection and/or a face shield.

Chemical resistant gloves, aprons, coveralls, boots and/or other resistant protective clothing. Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

Guidelines for methylene chloride :

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours) (18): Polyvinyl alcohol, 4H(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Barricade(TM), Teflon(TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Viton(TM), Saranex(TM), CPF 3(TM).

Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. Do not smoke, eat or drink in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.