Format for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 13, 1998

Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato
United States Senate
304 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, New York 14614

Dear Senator D'Amato:

This is in response to a memorandum forwarded from your office to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This memorandum was written by Mr. Russell Calcagno, III, Facilities Management Analyst, Monroe County, regarding the need for a uniform format for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 10, 1999

Mr. Dave Folk
President
Empire Safety Consulting
4291 Byrum Road
Onondaga, MI 49264

Dear Mr. Folk:

Thank you for your two August 24, 1999 letters to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requesting interpretation of the lockout/tagout (LOTO) standard and biohazards for postal workers handling mail. Your questions and our replies follow:

Employee access to MSDSs required by 1910.1200 vs. 1910.1020.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 

Nuisance spills are not considered emergencies.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 2, 1990

Mr. Dean G. Kratz
McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C.
Suite 100
One Central Park Plaza
222 South Fifteenth Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Dear Mr. Kratz:

This is in response to your August 7, 1990, letter where you indicated that 29 CFR 1910.120 does not apply because all example conditions referenced by your client can be "absorbed, neutralized or otherwise controlled at the time of the release by employees in the immediate area, or by maintenance personnel."

Labeling and RCRA requirements and the HCS standard.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 1, 1992

Ms. Vicki H. Cormier
Environmental Secretary
PPG Industries, Inc.
Chemicals
Post Office Box 1000
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70602-1000

Dear Ms. Cormier:

Thank you for your letter of August 7, requesting clarification and interpretation of the provisions of paragraph (b)(6)(i) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Decision or policy statement regarding the obligations and responsibilities of the employee leasing industry with respect to compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 15, 1991

Mr. Mel Klinghoffer
Chairman of the Board
Payroll Transfers, Incorporated
3710 Corporex Park Drive, Suite 300
Tampa, Florida 33619

Dear Mr. Klinghoffer:

This is response to the enclosed letter from Ms. Laura E. Green, a former employee of Payroll Transfers Inc., dated June 13. Ms. Linda Inkpen in your Customer Service Department requested that this response be directed to you.

Hazard Communication and Consumer Products.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 15, 1991

 

Used Tire Recyclers.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 15, 1991

 

Applicability of the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard to rubber dust byproduct sold by tire recapping company.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 15, 1991

 

Training requirements of Hazwoper for various functions.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 20, 1991

Mr. Robert T. Gabris
Industrial Hygienist
Riedel Environmental Services, Inc.
Foot of North Portsmouth Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97203

Dear Mr. Gabris:

This is in response to your inquiry of May 17, concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response final rule (29 CFR 1910.120). Please accept my apology for the delay in this reply.