Appendices in the Standard

There are two appendices in the standard which many employers may find helpful. Appendix A is a discussion of Health Hazards and Appendix B contains the Hazard Determination Guidelines and Sources. Appendix A states that the employer shall, when assessing the health hazard potential of a chemical for purposes of compliance with this standard, consider the scientifically well-established evidence of any type of health effect which may occur in any body system of his/her employees. The employer is encouraged to consult Appendix B for sources of information to assist him/her in conducting the hazard evaluation. 

The OSH Act directs the Secretary of Labor (OSHA) to prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning and to ensure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed Section 6(b)(7). 

Many of the initial standards adopted by OSHA in 1971 required signs, tags, markings or labels to warn employees of hazards to which they might be exposed. 

There are specific signs and label requirements contained within the OSHA health standards promulgated since 1971. These requirements are very specific as to the type of hazard presented by the substance. 

On September 27, 1979, a suit was brought to direct OSHA to promulgate labeling requirements. The suit was intervened October 17, 1979. The Court determined that the Secretary of Labor should take whatever time was necessary to promulgate an appropriate labeling standard. 

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