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 B, Adoption and extension of established federal standards
  • 1910.19, Special provisions for air contaminants
    • 1910.19(h), Ethylene oxide
• 1910 Subpart H, Hazardous materials
  • 1910.119, Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals [related topic page]
    • Appendix A, List of highly hazardous chemicals, toxics and reactives (Mandatory). Lists the threshold quantity (TQ) of ethylene oxide for coverage by this standard at 5000 lbs.
• 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances [related topic page]
  • 1910.1047, Ethylene oxide
    • Appendix A, Substance safety data sheet for ethylene oxide (Non-mandatory)
    • Appendix B, Substance technical guidelines for ethylene oxide (Non-mandatory)
    • Appendix C, Medical surveillance guidelines for ethylene oxide (Non-mandatory) [related topic page]
    • Appendix D, Sampling and analytical methods for ethylene oxide (Non-mandatory) [related topic page]

Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)

• 1915 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances
  • 1915.1047, Ethylene oxide. This standard is identical to 29 CFR 1910.1047.

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926 Subpart D, Occupational health and environmental controls
  • 1926.64, Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals.
    • Appendix A, List of highly hazardous chemicals, toxics and reactives (Mandatory). Lists the threshold quantity (TQ) of ethylene oxide for coverage by this standard at 5000 lbs.
• 1926 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances
  • 1926.1147, Ethylene oxide. This standard is identical to 29 CFR 1910.1047.

• OSHA-recognized chemicals as carcinogens or potential carcinogens for Hazard Communication purposes. (2003, October 16).
• Use of ethylene oxide alarm systems with sensors. (1998, December 11)
• Requirements under the Ethylene Oxide Standards. (1995, March 29).
• Procedures for ethylene oxide (EtO) spills and ethylene oxide disposal. (1985, October 28).
• Search all available standard interpretations.