What defines a hazardous chemical according to OSHA?

A hazardous chemical, as defined by OSHA, is one that poses a physical or health risk to employees. This encompasses a wide range of potential dangers, including substances that are flammable, reactive, corrosive, and toxic. The aim of this definition is to ensure that employers are aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect their workers, such as implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate training, and ensuring proper labeling and storage of these chemicals.

In the context of workplace safety, recognizing a chemical as hazardous is crucial for the development of safety data sheets (SDS) and hazard communication programs that inform employees about the dangers associated with exposure and working safely with these substances. The other options either suggest a lack of risk associated with certain chemicals or imply situations that don’t align with OSHA’s criteria for defining hazardous materials, which focus on the potential harm to health and safety in the workplace.