Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".
 

Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

• 1910 Subpart I, Personal protective equipment
  • 1910.132, General requirements [related topic page]
  • 1910.134, Respiratory protection [related topic page]

• 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances [related topic page]
  • 1910.1000, Air contaminants
    • Table Z-1, Limits for air contaminants
  • 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
  • 1910.1450, Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
    • Appendix A, National research council recommendations concerning chemical hygiene in laboratories (Non-Mandatory)
    • Appendix B, References (Non-Mandatory)

• Material safety data sheet requirements for experimental chemical mixtures that are shipped off-site. (2004, February 5).
• Applicable OSHA standards and safety considerations for microwave device use in a laboratory. (2002, August 8).
• Labeling requirements under the HAZCOM and Laboratory standards; use of safe needle devices. (2001, January 11). Answers questions regarding the applicability to clinical laboratories of OSHA's Laboratory Standard, Hazard Communication Standard, and Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
• Clarification regarding the frequency with which showers must be tested. (1995, June 21). Provides clarification regarding the frequency with which safety showers must be tested.
• Clarification of "laboratory" and "process" relative to process safety management standard. (1992, June 24). Defines what a laboratory and a process is, and clarifies when the process safety management (PSM) standard applies.
• Implementation of a comprehensive chemical hygiene plan for lab operations. (1991, April 24). States that if all requirements of the laboratory standard are met, compliance with the hazard communication standard with respect to coverage of laboratories would also be achieved.
• Time and resources needed to comply with Lab Standard is justifiable. (1991, April 19). Laboratories that do not implement work practices and procedures which are at least as effective as those prescribed by this standard may be risking employees' health and safety.
• Quality control laboratories are not expected to be covered under the Laboratory Standard. (1990, October 11). Clarifies which laboratories are covered under the laboratory standard.
• Incorporation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) into current Hazard Communication and/or other related manuals. (1990, September 7). Discusses the incorporation of the CHP into the hazard communication or other related manuals.
• Laboratory Standard does not cover routine tests supporting production but non-routine, non-production-related tests are covered. (1990, August 8). Clarifies when laboratories are covered under the laboratory standard.
• Interpretation of "high degree of acute toxicity" under the laboratory standard. (1990, July 30). Describes some basic differences and similarities between the hazard communication standard (HCS) and the laboratory standard.
• Search all available standard interpretations.

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.

• Z358.1-2004, Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. Contains provisions regarding the design, performance, installation, use and maintenance of various types of emergency equipment (showers, eye washes, drench hoses, etc.). In addition to these provisions, there are some general considerations that apply to all emergency equipment.

• Z9.5-2003, Laboratory Ventilation. This authoritative publication is intended for use by employers, architects, occupational and environmental health and safety professionals, and others concerned with the control of exposure to airborne contaminants. The book includes new chapters on performance tests, air cleaning, preventative maintenance, and work practices. It also highlights the standard's requirements and offers good practices for laboratories to follow. The book also offers referenced standards and publications, guidance on selecting laboratory stack designs, an audit form for ANSI Z9.5, and a sample table of contents for a laboratory ventilation management plan.

• 110-1995, Method of Testing the Performance of Laboratory Hoods. Specifies a quantitative test procedure for evaluation of a laboratory fume hood. A tracer gas is released at prescribed rates and positions in the hood and monitored in the breathing zone of a mannequin at the face of the hood. Based on the release rate of the tracer gas and average exposure to the mannequin, a performance rating is achieved.

• 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. Applies to laboratories in which hazardous chemicals are handled or stored.

• 2003 International Codes. Links to several standards that are applicable to laboratories, particularly the International Fire Code. Topics addressed in this code include fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, hazardous materials storage and use, and fire-safety requirements for new and existing buildings and premises.