Are all office chemicals exempt from the Hazard Communication Standard?
No. They are not all exempt. The standard does not apply to non-hazardous chemicals. However, hazardous chemicals in the office are exempt only if they fall under one of the exemptions found under 29 CFR §1910.1200(b). For example, food, drugs, and cosmetics brought into the workplace for employee consumption are exempt. Therefore, rubbing alcohol in the first aid kit would not be covered. Also consumer products are exempted when used as you would at home. So correction fluid used to correct occasional mistakes or computer screen cleaner used infrequently would not be covered, but correction fluid or screen cleaner used for several hours per day every day would be covered. See the entire list of exemptions under 29 CFR §1910.1200(b).
