Bathtub Refinishing Hazard Alert – Methylene Chloride Fatalities

Certain coating removers containing methylene chloride are widely used in the bathtub refinishing industry to prepare tubs for a new finish.  Since 2006 there have been three deaths in Michigan in this industry involving methylene chloride. This week the Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (MIFACE) program released a hazard alert and an investigative report about this hazardous practice that we want to share with you.



The MIFACE program identifies industries and work.  The program determines the underlying causes of the work-related fatalities, and formulates and disseminates prevention strategies to reduce them.  MIOSHA’s goal is to help prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities and to ensure that effective tools and training are available to employers and employees. The mutual cooperation between MIOSHA and MIFACE in identifying occupational fatalities allows us to get timely safety and health information to Michigan employers and employees.

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division has consultants available to provide assistance with evaluating methylene chloride exposure.  The assistance provided by CET is at no cost to the employer and will not result in the issuance of any citations or penalties.  Companies can call the CET Division at 517.322.1809 or visit online at www.michigan.gov/cet.

As a service to your colleagues and/or employees, you may want to discuss this information at your next safety and health meeting, post the MIFACE fact sheet on a bulletin board, or include it in a newsletter and/or website.  Your support and interest in the safety and health of Michigan employees is greatly appreciated.

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