1910.1052(g)(2): Methylene Chloride Respirator Program
Employers must run a respiratory protection program for every employee who must wear a respirator under the methylene chloride standard. Gas masks with organic-vapor canisters provided for emergency escape must get new canisters after any emergency use and before going back into service.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1052(g)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $6,576 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.1052(g) Respiratory protection (10 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.1052(g)(2) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1052(g)(2) ("Respirator program") is one requirement inside 1910.1052 Methylene chloride, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Respirator program. 3 citations
(i) The employer must implement a respiratory protection program in accordance with § 1910.13(b) through (m) (except (d)(1)(iii)), which covers each employee required by this section to use a respirator. Open (g)(2)(i) 3 citations
(ii) Employers who provide employees with gas masks with organic-vapor canisters for the purpose of emergency escape must replace the canisters after any emergency use and before the gas masks are returned to service.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1052.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1910.1052(g)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1052(g)(2).
At 7:10 p.m. on October 29, 2024, an employee was scraping paint from a bathtub using a paint stripper containing 70-90% methylene chloride (Hoodstrip-888 Semi Paste Remover). The employee became unconscious due to inhaling methylene chloride vapors above the short-term exposure limit (STEL) and subsequently…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1052(g)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1052(g)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1052(g) Respiratory protection 10 citations
- 1910.1052(g)(3)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.1052(g)(3) Respirator selection 3 citations
- 1910.1052(g)(2)(i) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who must be covered by the respirator program?
Each employee who is required by the methylene chloride standard to use a respirator.
What program rules apply?
The respiratory protection program requirements referenced in the rule, paragraphs (b) through (m), except (d)(1)(iii).
What happens to escape gas mask canisters after an emergency?
The organic-vapor canisters must be replaced after any emergency use and before the gas mask is returned to service.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1052 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.