1910.1200(g)(7)

Provision of MSDSs for consumer products used in the workplace

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

January 9, 1990

Mr. Steven Schatzow
Attorney at Law
Morgan, Lewis and Bockius
1800 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Mr. Schatzow:

This is in response to your letter of December 4, 1989, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the requirement of chemical manufacturers to provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Manufacturers' use of the Internet for distribution of MSDSs to downstream users.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 20, 1997

Kevin Johnson, CIH, CSP
Corporate EH&S Manager
Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
63 North Street
Medfield, Massachusetts 02052-1688

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Thank you for your letter of January 6, regarding manufacturers' use of the Internet for distribution of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) to downstream users.

Definition of "distributor" and "retail distributor" as used in paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(7).

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 11, 1988

Katherine Davis
Project Industrial Hygienist
International Paper
Suite 212
6075 The Corners Parkway
Norcross, Georgia 30092

Dear Ms. Davis:

This is in response to your letter of March 18, regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard. Specifically you request a definition of "distributor" and "retail distributor" as used in paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(7).

The standard at paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(c) defines "distributor" as follows: