A recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) final rule on methylene chloride impacts
laboratory use and compliance requirements.
Methylene chloride (dichloromethane, DCM) is a volatile, toxic chemical and is considered
a Particularly Hazardous Substance due to its significant inhalation and skin exposure
risks. It is also subject to new federal regulatory requirements under the EPA’s 2024
TSCA rule.
At the University of Arkansas, the use of DCM is strictly controlled to protect laboratory
personnel and ensure compliance. Any use of DCM must be reviewed and approved by Environmental
Health & Safety (ENHS) and requires implementation of a Workplace Chemical Protection
Program, including a lab-specific SOP, designated use areas, training, and exposure
control measures.
Visit the Methylene Chloride Safety Section to access detailed requirements, guidance, and resources for safe and compliant use of
methylene chloride on campus.
Our Mission
The social and occupational diversity of the University of Arkansas community encompasses
a wide variety of scientific, technological, and industrial disciplines. The development
and transfer of the knowledge, technology, and skills generated from these disciplines
is the business of the University. The mission of the Office of Environmental Health
and Safety is to assist in making that transfer an orderly process that balances concern
for our environmental legacy, the safety of our work force, and service to our students.
The "Report an Incident or Near Miss" and "Safety Observation" buttons will redirect
you to SciShield, the campus safety compliance and reporting platform. Log in with
your complete UArk email and password. The reporting form should automatically open.
There is an option on the form to submit the form anonymously.
Campus visitors without UArk Emails can report incidents, injuries, near misses,
and safety observations by emailing enhs@uark.edu.
Safety training that is required based on research/work activities is available in
SciShield. If there is training you need that is not yet offered in SciShield, contact Karmen Boddie or call (479) 575-3537 for assistance.
