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Written question asked by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 9 November 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 November 2018 (named day). It was answered by Sarah Newton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 November 2018 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dichloromethane: Industrial Health and Safety

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential dangers associated with the use of the chemical Dichloromethane in the workplace.

Answer

The risks associated with the use of Dichloromethane (DCM) are well documented. Breathing in vapour can produce narcotic effects including drowsiness, headache, unconsciousness and death. DCM has also been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a category 2a carcinogen.

As the health effects can be fatal, the use of DCM as a paint-stripper is restricted under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (REACH) and professional users must be trained and competent in its safe use. For all workplace uses of DCM, employers must also adhere to the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) to prevent or adequately control employee exposure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
189520
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Health hazards Health and safety Dichloromethane
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk