Responsible party identified on material safety data sheets

September 13, 1993

Ms. Leslie C. Birnbaum
Corporate Health and Safety Manager
Wehran EnviroTech
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Birnbaum:

Thank you for your letter of July 23, concerning requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). You specifically inquired "whose name, address, and telephone number must appear on the MSDS?" Your question pertains to the HCS (29 CFR 1910.1200) paragraph (g)(3)(xii) which states:

"The name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer, or other responsible party preparing or distributing the material safety data sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary."

We concur with your reading of the standard. Responsible parties must be able to supply all the information required by the MSDS, including the appropriate emergency information. Generally this will be the manufacturer or importer. If the chemical manufacturer has consented to being designated the responsible party and they are capable of providing the necessary information then the requirement of the standard has been met.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health.

Sincerely,

Ruth E. McCully, Director Office of Health Compliance Assistance

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