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OSHA Occupational Chemical Database

Use it to examine a substance from an occupational-hygiene perspective: names and identifiers, health and physical information, permissible exposure limits, analytical methods and links to standards.

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Live OSHA Occupational Chemical Database page and its published information categories
The OSHA Occupational Chemical Database compiles identification, physical properties, exposure limits, sampling information and regulatory references from government sources.

What you will find

  • Chemical name and CAS
  • Exposure limits
  • Sampling methods
  • Physical properties
  • IDLH and carcinogen references
  • NFPA 704

Data you can examine

OSHA combines substance identity with workplace exposure and measurement information.

  • Chemical name, synonyms, CAS Registry Number and OSHA IMIS code.
  • Physical properties, molecular information and flammability or reactivity references.
  • OSHA permissible exposure limits and other published occupational limits where available.
  • Sampling methods, analytical references, IDLH values, carcinogen classifications and NFPA 704 data.

Comparisons that help

The database supports comparison of hazards and exposure references, but the legal status and source of each limit must remain visible.

  • Compare substances by identifiers before comparing similar names.
  • Compare occupational exposure limits with their agency, unit and averaging period.
  • Compare sampling methods by medium, flow rate, volume and analytical technique.
  • Compare physical properties that affect ventilation, storage and emergency planning.

Best ways to use OSHA data

Use the record as an entry point for hazard assessment and method selection.

  • Confirm the substance identifier used in an exposure assessment.
  • Locate the OSHA method or linked analytical procedure for workplace sampling.
  • Review the standard and health references associated with the chemical.
  • Cross-check the employer SDS and site-specific risk assessment before choosing controls.

Scope and legal cautions

Government reference data can be authoritative without answering every product-specific question.

  • A database record may describe a pure substance while the workplace product is a mixture.
  • Exposure limits use different units and time bases and cannot be compared as bare numbers.
  • Linked values and classifications may come from several agencies with different purposes.
  • Consult the applicable OSHA standard and qualified safety professionals for compliance decisions.