Inert gas as it applies to the hazard communication 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.

March 4, 1993

Mr. Matthew V. McFarland
Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc.
161 William Street
New York, New York 10038

Dear Mr. McFarland:

This is in response to your inquiry of January 19, concerning the scope of Hazard Communication under the safety and health regulations for construction, 29 CFR 1926.59. Specifically, you question whether inert gas, an asphyxiant, is covered by the standard.

Letter of compliance regarding "HAZCOM" data sheets.

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.

December 4, 1995

Mr. Jeffrey M. Carter
Director of Safety
M.J. Moran, Inc.
Mechanical Contractors
4 South Main Street
Haydenville, MA 01039

Dear Mr. Carter:

This is in response to your letter of October 18 requesting a letter of compliance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding your "HAZCOM" data sheets to be utilized at the worksite to provide clear information about the chemicals used by your employees.

The application of the HCS in the construction industry.

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 2, 1995

Ms. Patricia H. Falls
CEO Firstline Safety Management, Inc.
PO Box 230 Lovettsville, VA 22080

Dear Ms. Falls:

Thank you for your letter of October 21, 1994, regarding revisions to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). As discussed, following are responses to your questions regarding the application of the HCS in the construction industry.

1. Does 29 CFR 1926.59(e)(5) mean that service departments are no longer required to have MSDSs on their vehicles?

Information on temporary workers, particularly those in the electronic assembly industry.

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 30, 1996

[Name Withheld]

Dear [Name Withheld]:

This is the third and last response to your letter of November 13, 1995, in which you requested information on temporary workers, particularly those in the electronic assembly industry and office workers like Kelly Services. This letter will address your questions #1, 7, 11, and 12.

A letter of compliance from OSHA regarding "HAZCOM" data sheets.

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 7, 1995

Mr. Jeffrey M. Carter
Director of Safety
M.J. Moran, Inc.
Mechanical Contractors
4 South Main Street
Haydenville, MA 01039

Dear Mr. Carter:

This is in response to your letter of July 11 requesting a letter of compliance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding your "HAZCOM" data sheets to be utilized at the worksite to provide clear information of the chemicals used by your employees.

The HCS does not apply to food items in a retail establishment

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 7, 1998

Mr. Bill Springer
819 Winnetka Ct.
Manitowoc, WI 54220

Dear Mr. Springer:

This is in response to your letter addressed to Senator Herb Kohl concerning material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for "normal items" (e.g., peanut butter, nutmeg). Senator Kohl transmitted your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on December 3, 1997. OSHA would like to take this opportunity to clarify the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, as it pertains to non-hazardous materials.

Manufacturer and employer responsibilities when providing MSDSs electronically.

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.

 

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).

Operations that trigger the requirement for employers to provide washing facilities on construction jobsites under 29 CFR 1926.51(f)(1).

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.

June 12, 2006

Mr. John Schlack
648 Hemlock Court
Bensalem, PA 19020-4301

Re: Operations that trigger the requirement for employers to provide washing facilities on construction jobsites under 29 CFR 1926.51(f)(1).

Dear Mr. Schlack:

This is in response to your letter dated September 25, 2005, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.51(f)(1). We apologize for the delay in responding.

Information on temporary workers in the electronic assembly industry and office workers.

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.

April 30, 1996

[Name Withheld]

Dear [Name Withheld]:

This is the second response to your letter of November 13, 1995, in which you requested information on temporary workers, particularly those in the electronic assembly industry and office workers like Kelly Services. This letter will address health compliance issues, personal protective equipment (PPE), recordkeeping, and training (your questions #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10).