# Dichloromethane

Chemical Name: CAS #:  
Hazard Classification:   
Location Used: Principal Investigator:  
Processes for Which Chemical Is Used:  
HAZARDS AND PROTECTION  
Hazard Information  
• Carcinogen  
• Reproductive Toxicity  
• Liver and Kidney Toxicity  
Routes of Exposure  
• Ingestion ● Skin Absorption  
• Inhalation  
• Eye absorption  
If exposed by:  
• Inhalation: Remove to fresh air  
• Ingestion: Aspiration hazard if vomiting   
occurs. Do not induce vomiting.  
• Eye or skin: Rinse affected area for 15   
minutes  
If exposed by inhalation, ingestion or eye contact, seek   
medical attention. For other routes, seek medical   
attention if necessary.  
Symptoms of Exposure  
• Cough, shortness of breath, dizziness,   
agitation, inebriation, nausea, vomiting  
• Headache, drying out of skin  
Exposure Limits  
All exposure limits are Time Weighted Averages   
(average exposure over an eight-hour day) unless   
otherwise indicated.  
OSHA PEL: 25 ppm (87 mg/m3  
)  
ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (174 mg/m3  
)  
Engineering Controls  
• Chemical Fume Hood Never open dichloromethane outside of a chemical   
fume hood.  
Administrative Controls  
• Designated area sign  
• Particularly hazardous substance label  
• Post designated area sign before each use.  
• Label containers of dichloromethane as a   
health hazard.  
• Use as small a quantity as possible.  
Dichloromethane (methylene   
chloride)  
75-09-2  
Health Hazard  
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY EHS  
LABORATORY CHEMICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE  
CS-004 Last Reviewed July 8, 2019  
Personal Protective Equipment  
• Gloves   
• Safety glasses or splash goggles  
• Lab coat  
Two pairs of nitrile gloves for short-term use. If longer   
term use, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or laminate gloves   
are required. Change gloves immediately if a spill on   
gloves is observed. Wash hands after use.  
OTHER SAFETY INFORMATION  
Transportation Follow guidance given in the laboratory safety manual   
for transport of chemicals.  
Storage  
• Can be stored with flammable materials  
• Keep tightly sealed   
Incompatible materials include:  
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, amines  
Spill/Accident Procedures  
For all spills:  
• Wear two pairs of nitrile gloves  
• Evacuate the immediate area  
Exposure:  
• If anyone exposed requires emergency   
medical attention, dial 911 (or 9-911 from   
landline).  
• Follow procedures outlined in laboratory   
safety manual.  
Small spills (less than 500 mL in a hood or 20 mL   
outside a fume hood): Cover the spill with absorbent   
materials. Place absorbent materials in bag or bucket   
for collection by EHS. Clean area with soap and water   
once spill is removed.  
Large spills (greater than 500 mL in a hood or 20 mL   
outside a fume hood): If the spill is in a chemical fume   
hood, contact the EHS director (864-710-2933). If he   
cannot be reached (does not answer phone, do not   
leave voicemail), then call 911, pull the fire alarm and   
exit the building. If the spill is outside of a hood, then   
call 911, pull the fire alarm and exit the building.  
Waste Disposal Waste dichloromethane must be collected for   
disposal.  
Empty bottles of dichloromethane may be rinsed and   
thrown in the dumpster.  
By signing below, you indicate that you have reviewed this SOP and understand the contents thereof