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OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Fatal Fire with "nonflammable" Methyl Chloroform with Welding in a Vapor Degreaser
  • 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.