Hazard communication for PCB-containing light ballasts

November 20, 1992

Mr. Dan Bigler
Environmental Energy Group
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Bigler:

This is in response to your second letter of October 26, concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Previously, you had written to Charles Adkins from OSHA's Health Standards Office explaining the potential hazards involved with the removal of old electric light ballasts containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Mr. Adkins informed you that electricians installing light ballasts would not be exposed to PCBs under "normal conditions of use," and therefore would not be covered by the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).

In your second letter you state that you concur with OSHA's interpretation, but ask how HCS would apply to other industries.

As long as PCBs are encased so that they will not present a threat of exposure, workers do not need to be advised of the hazards of PCBs. If employees were exposed to PCB's during the construction of electric light ballasts at the manufacturer's facility, the HCS would apply. During the removal and disposal of old light ballasts, the HCS may apply if the employer determines there is a threat of hazard exposure. OSHA instruction CPL 2-2.38C, dated October 22 1990, states the following in paragraph K.3.c.:

In some cases, a hazardous chemical may be present for a long period of time without an employee exposure until repair or demolition activities are performed. By way of example, employers involved in work operations where jackhammers are being used to break up a sidewalk know that they are exposing their employees to a hazardous chemical (silica), even though they did not "bring" the hazard to the site. Even though other provisions of the standard may not be enforceable (MSDS and labels), the employer should still develop a hazard communication program to inform their employees "about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed." Employers may utilize their already existing hazard communication program to communicate information on these types of hazards to their employees, as per paragraph (e)(3).

Information regarding the hazards of PCBs and appropriate protective measures is readily available. Employers whose employees are involved in operations where PCB exposure may occur under normal conditions of use or in foreseeable emergencies, should obtain such information and include it in their hazard communication program.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Toxic Substance Control Act may also apply (please see 40 CFR Part 761 -PCBs Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions). You may contact the EPA TSCA hotline at the following number: 1-800-835-6700.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions please contact [the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190].

Sincerely,

Roger A. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

[Corrected 12/6/2024]