The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule for methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane) for worker safety and public and environmental protection. The required actions and timelines to comply with the new rule are described below. The new EPA rule is in addition to existing Washington State Department of Labor & Industries rules for workplace safety. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is asking University units and departments that use or possess methylene chloride to start taking steps (described below) to prepare for the new rule.

· Researchers must check their workspaces for methylene chloride, ensure all items are inventoried in EHSA, determine whether their use is allowed under the new rules, and find replacements.

· January-May 2025: EH&S conducts exposure monitoring for locations where methylene chloride is allowed and where it cannot be replaced or eliminated.

· Before October 30, 2025: Units allowed to use methylene chloride under the new rule must implement an exposure control plan. (EH&S will provide a template SOP).

· After April 28, 2026: The University will be prohibited from industrial or commercial use of methylene chloride, including any methylene chloride-containing products (except for allowed uses).