1910.1052(g)(3): Respirator Selection for Methylene Chloride
Employers must choose and give employees the proper atmosphere-supplying respirator for methylene chloride, and must not choose or use half masks of any type because methylene chloride may irritate or damage the eyes. For emergency escape, employers must provide either a self-contained breathing apparatus in continuous-flow or pressure-demand mode or a gas mask with an organic vapor canister.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1052(g)(3) 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 $3,226 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.1052(g) Respiratory protection (10 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1052(g)(3) ("Respirator selection") 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
(3) Respirator selection. Employers must: 3 citations
(i) Select, and provide to employees, the appropriate atmosphere-supplying respirator specified in paragraph (d)(3)(i)(A) of 29 CFR 1910.134; however, employers must not select or use half masks of any type because MC may cause eye irritation or damage. Open (g)(3)(i) 3 citations
(ii) For emergency escape, provide employees with one of the following respirator options: A self-contained breathing apparatus operated in the continuous-flow or pressure-demand mode; or a gas mask with an organic vapor canister.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1052.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1910.1052(g)(3) 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)(3).
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
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1052(g)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1052(g) Respiratory protection 10 citations
- 1910.1052(g)(3)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.1052(g)(2)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.1052(g)(2) Respirator program 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What type of respirator is required for methylene chloride?
An appropriate atmosphere-supplying respirator as specified in 1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A).
Can half masks be used?
No. Employers must not select or use half masks of any type because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage.
What respirators are allowed for emergency escape?
A self-contained breathing apparatus in continuous-flow or pressure-demand mode, or a gas mask with an organic vapor canister.
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.