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
  • 1910.119, Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals [related topic page]
    • Appendix A, List of highly hazardous chemicals, toxics and reactives (Mandatory)
• 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances [related topic page]
  • 1910.1000, Air contaminants
    • Table Z-1, Limits for air contaminants
  • 1910.1450, Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
    • Appendix A, National research council recommendations concerning chemical hygiene in laboratories (Non-Mandatory)

Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)

• 1915 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances
  • 1915.1000, Air contaminants

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926 Subpart D, Occupational health and environmental controls
  • 1926.55, Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists
    • Appendix A, Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists
  • 1926.64, Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
    • Appendix A, List of highly hazardous chemicals, toxics and reactives (Mandatory)

• Air Contaminants (1989)
  • Section VI, Health effects discussion and determination of final PEL
• Search all available preambles to final rules.

• Selection of air purifying respirators for gases and vapors with poor warning properties (diisocyanates). (2000, July 18). Clarification regarding OSHA's position on the selection of air purifying respirators (APRs) for gases and vapors with poor warning properties.
• Search all available standard interpretations.