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]
  • 1910.133, Eye and face protection [related topic page]
  • 1910.134, Respiratory protection [related topic page]
    • Appendix A, Fit testing procedures (Mandatory)
    • Appendix B-1, User seal check procedures (Mandatory)
    • Appendix B-2, Respiratory cleaning procedures (Mandatory)
    • Appendix C, OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire (Mandatory)
    • Appendix D, Information for employees using respirators when not required under standard (Mandatory)
  • 1910.138, Hand protection
• 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]

• National Emphasis Program - Microwave Popcorn Processing Plants. CPL 03-00-005, (2007, July 27). The goal of this OSHA Direction is to minimize or eliminate employee exposures to the chemical hazards associated with microwave popcorn manufacturing, including bronchiolitis obliterans and other respiratory injuries and illnesses. To accomplish this goal, OSHA will implement a combined effort that includes inspection targeting, direction on methods of controlling these chemical hazards, and extensive compliance assistance. Inspections conducted under this NEP are to be performed at facilities known to be manufacturers of microwave popcorn, as listed on OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs’ intranet website (not for public release).
• Search all available directives.