The standard applies to all hazardous chemicals regardless of the quantity. Manufacturers are required to determine the hazardous properties of the materials they produce. This information is conveyed through Material Safety Data Sheets and Labels. A chemical is a physical hazard if it possesses flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidizing, pyrophoric or reactive properties, or if it is an organic peroxide or compressed gas. A chemical is a health hazard if it produces acute or chronic health effects in exposed employees.
Many products used in the work place are mixtures of different chemicals.
Particularly Hazardous Substances OSHA established a category of chemicals known as particularly hazardous substances for which additional precautions may be required. Particularly hazardous substances include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and substances with a high degree of acute toxicity. Any work activity involving a particularly hazardous substance should be evaluated by an experienced researcher to ensure that proper controls are in place and that appropriate, area specific training may be given. For some work, an Activity Hazard Document may be required.