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 18, 1988

Mr. Philip Morell
For Attorney Frank Saia
55 State Street
Springfield, Massachusetts 01103

Dear Mr. Morell

Thank you for your letter of December 24, 1987, in which you inquired about standards set forth by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for Epon 826, 827, and Epon Curing Agent A.

For your information, OSHA is the Federal Agency that promulgates standards to protect workers from potential safety and health hazards. NIOSH is the agency that provides technical assistance to OSHA, conducts research on safety and health issues, and recommends standards for OSHA adoption. Thus, NIOSH does not have standards for Epon 826, 827 and Epon Curing Agent Z.

I have enclosed a copy of the OSHA Air Contaminant standard 29 CFR 1910.1000 for your review. As you can see, for the components of Epon 826, OSHA has a standard for epichlorohydrin, and for the components of the Epon Curing Agent, OSHA has standards for glycol ether, methyl isobutyl ketone, and xylene.

OSHA does not have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Epon 827. Since it appears from your letter that you have the MSDS in your possession, you may determine whether OSHA has a standard for the components of Epon 827 by reviewing Tables Z-1 through Z-3 of the enclosed standard.

NIOSH has a criteria document and an occupational health guideline for xylene and epichlorohydrin. I have enclosed a copy of the Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards for the above substances, published jointly by NIOSH and OSHA. If you wish to obtain criteria documents for these substances, and for others you are interested in, you may write to the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) at the following address:

National Technical Information Service
U.S. Department of Commerce
Springfield, Virginia 22161
(703) 487-4650

 

 

With regard to information on injuries suffered by individuals from the use of these products, OSHA does not have a system for readily retrieving information on injuries relating to specific products.

I hope this information will be useful to you.

Sincerely,



Edward J. Baier
Director
Directorate of Technical Support

[Corrected on 2/16/2006]