1910.1052(k): Methylene Chloride Hazard Communication
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers must follow the Hazard Communication Standard for methylene chloride (MC), addressing at least cancer, cardiac, central nervous system, liver, and skin and eye irritation hazards. Employers must include MC in their hazard communication program and give each employee access to labels and safety data sheets, plus training.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1052(k) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $14,200 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (3), PA (3), TN (3).
- Related part: 1910.1052(k)(1) Hazard communication—general (17 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1052(k) ("Hazard communication") is one requirement inside 1910.1052 Methylene chloride, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 5 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
(k) Hazard communication — 17 citations
(1) Hazard communication—general. Open (k)(1) 17 citations
(i) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers shall comply with all requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (§ 1910.1200) for MC. 2 citations
(ii) In classifying the hazards of MC at least the following hazards are to be addressed: Cancer, cardiac effects (including elevation of carboxyhemoglobin), central nervous system effects, liver effects, and skin and eye irritation. 2 citations
(iii) Employers shall include MC in the hazard communication program established to comply with the HCS (§ 1910.1200). Employers shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of MC and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and paragraph (l) of this section. Open (k)(1)(iii) 13 citations
(2) [Reserved]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1052.
Export the list: 16 inspections cited 1910.1052(k) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MI (3), PA (3), TN (3), MD (2), OR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FORBO FLOORING INC | HAZLETON, PA | $8,000 |
| DESIGNER T'S | BROOKLAWN, NJ | $4,700 |
| SEGIS, USA, INC. | MORRISTOWN, TN | $1,200 |
| 317734205 - KG FAB AND MACHINE INC | HILLSBORO, OR | $300 |
| EVERGLAZE, LLC | NOTTINGHAM, MD | $0 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1052(k), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1052(k).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1052(k)(1) Hazard communication—general 17 citations
- 1910.1052(k)(1)(iii) 13 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Which hazards must be addressed for methylene chloride?
At least cancer, cardiac effects (including elevation of carboxyhemoglobin), central nervous system effects, liver effects, and skin and eye irritation.
Must MC be in our hazard communication program?
Yes. Employers must include MC in the program established under 1910.1200.
What must employees have access to?
Labels on containers of MC and safety data sheets, along with training under HCS and paragraph (l).
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.