---
kind: "section"
citation: "29 C.F.R. § 1915.32"
title: "29"
number: "1915.32"
heading: "Toxic cleaning solvents."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/29/1915.32"
---

# §1915.32. Toxic cleaning solvents.

- (a) When toxic solvents are used, the employer shall employ one or more of the following measures to safeguard the health of employees exposed to these solvents.
  - (1) The cleaning operation shall be completely enclosed to prevent the escape of vapor into the working space.
  - (2) Either natural ventilation or mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be used to remove the vapor at the source and to dilute the concentration of vapors in the working space to a concentration which is safe for the entire work period.
  - (3) Employees shall be protected against toxic vapors by suitable respiratory protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of subpart I of this part and, where necessary, against exposure of skin and eye contact with toxic solvents and their vapors by suitable clothing and equipment.
- (b) The principles in the threshold limit values to which attention is directed in [§ 1915.4](/cfr/29/1915.4.md) will be used by the Department of Labor in enforcement proceedings in defining a safe concentration of air contaminants.
- (c) When flammable solvents are used, precautions shall be taken in accordance with the requirements of [§ 1915.36](/cfr/29/1915.36.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[47 FR 16986, Apr. 20, 1982, as amended at 61 FR 26351, May 24, 1996]

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 941; 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754); 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 65008), 5-2007 (72 FR 31160), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), or 8-2020 (85 FR 58393); 29 CFR part 1911; and 5 U.S.C. 553, as applicable.

### Source

Source: 47 FR 16986, Apr. 20, 1982, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[47 FR 16986, Apr. 20, 1982, as amended at 61 FR 26351, May 24, 1996]