Applicability of the Laboratory Standard; MSDS and labeling requirements.

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.

May 28, 1999

Ms. Maricela Carter
Baker Hughes; Baker Petrolite
Safety Programs
3900 Essex Lane
Houston, TX 77027

Dear Ms. Carter,

Chemical suppliers must ensure downstream flow of hazard information (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.

April 21, 1999

Mr. Sergio Tejeda
Regulatory Affairs
Henry Schein, Inc.
135 Duryea Road
Melville, New York 11747

Dear Mr. Tejeda:

This is in reply to your letter of November 9, 1998, in which you asked about the use of electronic systems for providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to downstream users of hazardous chemicals. The letter is being provided supplemental to the telephone conversation you had with a member of my staff on November 18, 1998. We apologize for the delay in getting this to you.

Hazard communication requirements for diatomaceous earth.

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.

April 5, 1999

OSHA will not currently pursue a national MSDS repository.

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 9, 1999

Mr. Stephen West
S. P. West Consulting
58981 46th Street
Lawrence, Michigan 49064

Dear Mr. West:

Thank you for your letter of September 5, 1999 to Charles Jeffress, Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter discusses the creation of a centralized system for creating and storing Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDSs). Your concern was referred to OSHA's [Directorate of Enforcement Programs] for a response.

Clarification of systems for electronic access to 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.

February 18, 1999

The Honorable Ron Wyden
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Wyden:

Storage of flammable liquids and corrosives in the same cabinet.

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.

Ms. Terry Cantu
PO Box 4000
Three Rivers, TX 78071

Dear Ms. Cantu:

Thank you for your March 14, 2001 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Directorate of Compliance Programs (DCP). Please be aware that this response may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence. You had a specific question regarding the storage of flammable and corrosive substances.

Question: Can I store flammable and corrosive chemicals in the same storage cabinet?

Requirements for alternate warning methods, delays between filling and labeling a chemical container, and label identification of mixtures under HCS.

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.

September 25, 1984

Mr. Jim Wooldridge
Delta Solvents & Chemicals Company
610 Fisher Road
Longview, Texas 75604

Dear Mr. Wooldridge:

This is in response to your letter of July 23 to Gilbert J. Saulter, Regional Administrator, requesting clarifications of the Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Your questions are answered as follows:

1. Must bulk chemical storage tanks and the plumbing be marked and labeled to show all hazards?

Hazard communication requirements for commercial ink cartridges

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.

March 27, 2015

Ms. Kristen Schulz
Environmental Resources Management, Inc.
9825 Kenwood Road, Suite 100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

Dear Ms. Schulz:

Current OSHA initiatives to improve quality of chemical hazard information provided to workers.

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 27, 2003

The Honorable Michael Enzi
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Enzi:

Thank you for your letter of June 27, 2003, regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). In your letter, you requested a report on the findings of the review of material safety data sheet (MSDS) requirements being conducted by the Agency.

Material safety data sheet requirements for experimental chemical mixtures that are shipped off-site.

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.

February 5, 2004

Kevin Coppola, Ph.D.
437 LSU Avenue
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Dear Dr. Coppola:

Thank you for your June 30, 2003 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Please be aware that this response may not be applicable to any question or scenario not delineated within your original correspondence. You had specific questions regarding material safety data sheets (MSDSs). Your paraphrased statement and questions are below, followed by our response.