Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Oil-lubricated compressors and safety data sheets

Summary A compressor manufacturer asked whether it had to provide material safety data sheets for oil-lubricated compressors or their compressed air. OSHA said the compressors were exempt articles because oil leakage was not anticipated, so sheets were not required for them. Given that conclusion and the manuals warning that the air was unsuitable for breathing, OSHA said no sheet was needed for the compressed air mixture.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1987-11-02
Date issued
November 2, 1987
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

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.

November 2, 1987

James E. Lord
Kaeser Compressors, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Lord:

This is in response to your letter to Angelo Costa of our Norfolk, VA office concerning the need to supply a material safety data sheet for oil lubricated compressors. Your letter was referred to this office for reply.

Material safety data sheets would not need to be supplied with the compressors since the compressor would be considered as an article exempted from the standard's coverage. Leakage of oil from the compressor is also not anticipated.

Since a material safety data sheet is not required for the compressor and your manuals state the compressed air is not suitable for breathing air then a material safety data sheet is not required for the compressed air mixture.

Please contact this office if we can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
LINDA R. ANKU
Regional Administrator

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace