OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Fatal Fire with "nonflammable" Methyl Chloroform with Welding in a Vapor Degreaser.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19870923
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: Fatal Fire with "nonflammable" Methyl Chloroform with Welding in a Vapor Degreaser.
September 23, 1987
| MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
EDWARD BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Health Hazard Information Bulletin: A Fatal Fire with "nonflammable" Methyl
Chloroform while Welding in a Vapor Degreaser |
Methyl chloroform (1,1,1-Trichloroethane) is widely used as a solvent
because of its low toxicity and good solvent properties. Its inability to
burn as a liquid (no flash point) can lead users to believe that methyl
chloroform will not burn under any circumstances. Attached is an article
from the September/October 1986, Archives of Environmental Health entitled,
"A Fatal Fire with "nonflammable" Methyl Chloroform." This article dispels
the common belief that this material is nonflammable. This article also
describes a fatal welding accident and discusses related technical issues.
There is little evidence or experience with these types of fatal accidents
or incidents with similar chemicals; however, it is important that OSHA
CSHO's are aware of the implications involved with the use of halogenated
hydrocarbons in welding or other operations which may cause vaporization.
OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents |
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