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The OSHA Definition of a Harmful Substance

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes standards to help employers preserve the health and safety of their workforce. Since many work environments are contaminated with harmful substances, OSHA helps employers learn how to identify and eliminate unwanted substances from work sites, as well as teach workers how to handle them safely.

  1. Definition

    • OSHA defines toxic or harmful substances as chemical substances, or biological agents, that are evidenced to cause harmful health effects. Harmful health effects include, but are not limited to, respiratory infections, skin rashes, burns and neurological damage.

    About

    • OSHA's regulations for harmful substances are based on the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). The RTECS is a list published by the Center for Disease Control's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which serves as a main source of information for the types of health affects that are caused by harmful substances. The RTECS is validated by scientific literature that points to proof that substances in the database have a negative impact on health.

    Considerations

    • Keeping a safe distance from harmful substances is optimal, but workers may be required to handle harmful substances as part of their job. Workers must use caution and care to transport and work with harmful substances. Some substances, such as asbestos, will call for the use of personal protective equipment, like respiratory masks and body suits.

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