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Data sheets supplied with metal machining scrap

Summary A metalworking trade group asked whether members selling chips and other metal scrap had to give dealers material safety data sheets. OSHA confirmed that they did under the hazard communication rule as it then applied. It said copies of the existing sheets were acceptable so dealers could pass the information to their manufacturing customers.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1986-04-08
Date issued
April 8, 1986
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Hazard Communication Scrap Metal Safety Data Sheets
Source
View the official document

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

April 8, 1986

Mr. David J. Burch
National Screw Machine Products Association
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Burch:

This is in reply to your letter of December 5, 1985 concerning the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard as it applies to the metal chips and other scrap material as stated in your letter. Please accept my apology for the delay in responding.

You are correct in your understanding that material safety data sheets are required to be supplied to scrap dealers to whom the metal chips and other scrap material are sold. Your members can supply photostatic copies of material safety data sheets to their customers. This is essential so that scrap dealers will be able to pass the information along to their manufacturing customers.

If we can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]

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