What is a hazardous chemical under OSHA?

A hazardous chemical is any chemical classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, or a hazard not otherwise classified, under the Hazard Communication standard.

By Cairn. Updated October 29, 2026. Sources: eCFR text as of October 27, 2026.

The legal definition

“Hazardous chemical means any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, or hazard not otherwise classified.”

29 CFR 1910.1200(c), definition of “Hazardous chemical”. eCFR, text as of October 27, 2026.

Where it applies

29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard communication 60 paragraphs use the term. Read the text on eCFR.
29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories 30 paragraphs use the term. Read the text on eCFR. Not the same definition: 29 CFR 1910.1450(b) defines the term more narrowly, as a chemical classified as a health hazard or simple asphyxiant under the Hazard Communication standard.

In the enforcement record

Federal and state-plan agencies issued 93,792 cited violations under 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard communication, from January 2016 through September 10, 2026. The section ranks 2nd among the 248 sections of 29 CFR cited at least 50 times. This is the count for the whole section, not for the term alone.

Cairn data, October 2026 snapshot.

See the full record for 29 CFR 1910.1200

Related terms

Safety data sheet Written or printed material about a hazardous chemical, prepared under paragraph (g) of the Hazard Communication standard.
IDLH In the respiratory protection standard, an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible harm or would impair escape.
Permit-required confined space A confined space with a hazardous atmosphere, an engulfment hazard, a trapping configuration or any other recognized serious hazard.
Bloodborne pathogens Pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in humans, including HBV and HIV.
Fit test The use of a protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual.

All terms in the OSHA glossary

Sources

29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard communication. eCFR, text as of October 27, 2026.
Cairn data, October 2026 snapshot. Cairn analysis of the OSHA enforcement record.

Written by Cairn, updated October 29, 2026. The quoted text is copied from the sources above. A test compares each quotation with a stored copy of the source, and a separate script compares that copy with the live sources. This page explains the law and is not legal advice.