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.

 


March 18, 1985

Honorable Robert Kastenmeier
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Kastenmeier:

This is in response to your correspondence of February 26, on behalf of Mr. Thomas E. Alstad, concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) ventilation standards with particular emphasis on the auto and printing industries.

There are a number of standards which require ventilation in various industrial operations. We have provided a list of the standards of interest to your constituent. Accompanying each standard is a page reference in OSHA's General Industry standards and a brief description of the standard. A copy of the General Industry standards is enclosed; the appropriate pages have been clipped and marked to facilitate the location of the referenced standards.

 

 

 

Standard No. Description
 		 Page No.
1910.94(a)(4) Ventilation required during abrasive blasting.
 		 80
1910.94(c)(4) and (b)(5) Using exhaust hood enclosures to remove dust, dirt, fumes, and gases generated through grinding,
polishing, or buffing of ferrous or nonferrous metals.
 		 84
1910.94(c)(5) Ventilation design requirements for spray finishing operations.
 		 94-95
[1910.124(b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(4)]
 		 Ventilation requirements for open surface tanks. 99
1910.106(d)(4)(iv) Ventilation required for portable containers of flammable and combustible liquids in inside of storage rooms.
 		 162
1910.106(h)(3)(iii) Ventilation required for buildings containing
chemical operations.
 		 177
1910.107(d) Ventilation and exhaust system requirements for spray finishing.
 		 183-184
1910.107(i)(9) Ventilation requirements for electrostatic hand-spraying.
 		 188
1910.107(j)(3) Ventilation requirements and (j)(4)(iii) for drying, curing, or fusion apparatus.
 		 188
1910.107(k) Ventilation requirements while using powder coating equipment.
 		 189
[1910.124(b)(1),(b)(3),
(b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and 1910.125(d)(2)]
 		 Ventilation required for dip tanks containing flammables or combustibles. 190
[1910.124(j)(1)-(j)(3] Required inspection of ventilation equipment for dip tanks.
 		 192


In addition to the standards listed above, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances (page 599) requires administrative or engineering controls (for example, ventilation controls) be implemented when feasible to control exposure to the hazardous substances listed in Tables Z-1, Z-2 and Z-3.

Lastly, the "Subject Index for 29 CFR 1910 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards" provides a list on page 836 of additional ventilation standards that may be of secondary interest.

OSHA does have an area office near your constituent should he wish to contact them:

 

 

[Milwaukee Area Office
310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Room 1180
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
(414) 297-3315
(414) 297-4299 FAX ]

 

 

We hope this information will be of assistance to you.

Sincerely,



Barry J. White
Director, Directorate of Safety Standards Programs

[Corrected 1/27/2009]