Regulations

OSHA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act), OSHA is charged with the enforcement of safety and health conditions of workers through the use of regulations and by providing for research, information, education, and training. OSHA regulations are published in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910 for General Industry.

The following OSHA regulations are applicable to chemical hazards and toxic substances in general industry:

• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances
• 29 CFR 1910.1000 - Air Contaminants
• 29 CFR 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication
• 29 CFR 1910.94 - Ventilation
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart H - Hazardous Materials

Twenty-two states currently have OSHA-approved state plans that may differ from federal OSHA regulations. Employees at state and local government agencies are not covered by federal OSHA regulations if they work in those states that have an OSHA-approved State Plan. Instead, they are covered by OSH Act protections. OSHA rules also permit states and territories to develop plans that cover only public sector (state and local government) workers. In these cases, private sector workers and employers remain under federal OSHA jurisdiction.

It is the employer's responsibility to ensure compliance with local and state regulations.

To learn more about Industrial Chemical Hazards visit our Industrial Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.