Office workers who encounter hazardous chemicals, only in isolated instances, are not required to comply with the many provisions of OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard. OSHA considers most office chemical products to be exempt under the provisions of the rule, either as articles or as consumer products.  (Ref: Letter of interpretation, Kentucky Labor Cabinet, 3/31/1989; https://www.osha.gov/html/faq-hazcom.html#faq8).
However, UAF still requires that office workers be advised of certain information pertaining to hazardous materials used in typical office activities. These materials include office products such as white out (Wite-Out), white board cleaner, ink pens, cleansers, adhesives, photocopier/laser printer toners, etc.

Commonly used office products may contain small amounts of hazardous materials. These products are typically used intermittently and in small quantities. Exposures to these products are not expected to cause adverse health effects under normal consumer use.  For example, OSHA has previously stated that intermittent or occasional use of a copying machine does not result in coverage under the rule. However, if an employee handles the chemicals to service the machine, or operates it for long periods of time, then compliance with the Hazard Communication Program would be applicable.

In addition to OSHA’s Hazard Communication provisions, Alaska Administrative Code 8 AAC 61.1110 requires that physical agents are also communicated to employees. Physical agents include Cold Stress, Heat Stress, Hand-Arm Vibration, Noise, Ionizing Radiation, Radio Frequency/Microwave Radiation, Ultraviolet Radiation, and Lasers. As an office worker, you are unlikely to encounter these physical agents or hazards in an office environment. In the event any of these physical agents are introduced into your office environment, or you have additional duties that create exposure to these agents, you are required to read the information from each applicable PADS found at http://www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/pads/pads.htm.    

Personnel working in typical office environments are exempt from the Hazard Communication Standard provisions based on the products used and duration of use. However, if at any time circumstances change, such as using office products for an extended period of time, or in quantities more than normal consumer use, please note that you will be required to complete additional training (Hazard Communication GHS).  For additional information on Hazard Communication, please visit our website http://www.uaf.edu/safety/ or call Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk Management at 474-5413.