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 H, Hazardous materials [related topic page]
  • 1910.106, Flammable and combustible liquids
  • 1910.107, Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials
• 1910 Subpart I, Personal protective equipment
  • 1910.132, General requirements [related topic page]
  • 1910.134, Respiratory protection [related topic page]
• 1910 Subpart J, General environmental controls
  • 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) [related topic page]
• 1910 Subpart L, Fire protection [related topic page]
  • 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers
• 1910 Subpart O, Machinery and machine guarding [related topic page]
  • 1910.215, Abrasive wheel machinery
• 1910 Subpart S, Electrical
  • 1910.303, General requirements [related topic page]
  • 1910.305, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
• 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances [related topic page]
  • 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]