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OSHA Hazard Communication Letters of Interpretation
MSDS requirement for occupational use of cosmetic Gentian Violet.
- Issued
- Record type
- Interpretation
- Historical standard
- HCS 1994, pre-GHS archive
- Current standard
- HCS 2024, as amended
ILPI assessment: Generally consistent for the described occupational use
This letter addresses the obsolete 1994 version of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). A cosmetic’s FDA labeling status does not by itself remove SDS requirements for repeated occupational exposure. This letter concerns the specified formulation and use, not a current medical recommendation or universal classification of products with the same name.
Distinguish FDA-label exemptions, retail/personal-use cosmetics and consumer-product use. For covered hazardous products use current classification and SDS requirements. Assess the actual formulation and exposure; see the consumer-product FAQ.
Last reviewed: .
About this ILPI assessment
This comparison with current requirements is not a finding that OSHA has formally withdrawn this letter. This assessment reflects editorial judgment informed by human review and AI assistance. It is an opinion, may contain errors or omissions, and is not an official OSHA determination. For guidance on how OSHA requirements apply to your circumstances, contact your local OSHA office.
OSHA's notice about interpretation letters
The following notice is published on OSHA's interpretation pages; it is general guidance, not a letter-specific withdrawal notice.
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
Source: OSHA's original letter page.
March 7, 2007
Mr. Mark T. Dorobiala
Facilities Manager
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
21 East Hollis Street
Nashua, NH 03060
Dear Mr. Dorobiala:
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Thank you for your October 19, 2006, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). In your letter you requested clarification of OSHA's material safety data sheet (MSDS) requirement. Specifically, you inquired about a chemical manufacturer 's claimed exemption from developing and providing MSDSs to its downstream users. Your paraphrased scenario and question are presented below, followed by our response
Scenario: Gentian Violet, which is a 1 percent anti-infective solution containing 9 percent alcohol, is used by your medical staff on patients. In your quest to update your MSDSs, you were unable to obtain the MSDS for this product from the manufacturer, Cumberland Swan. Cumberland Swan has informed you that this product is exempt from the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) pursuant to 29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(5)(iii) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS] and 29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(6)(viii) and 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS] because it is a cosmetic regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, after reviewing several letters of interpretation, including OSHA's 12/30/1992 interpretation to Ms. Marcia B.Richards, you believe that an MSDS is in fact required for this product.
Question: Does Cumberland Swan need to provide an MSDS for their product, Gentian Violet?
Response: Yes, an MSDS is required for Gentian Violet, which is considered a hazardous chemical under the HCS [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS]. As an initial matter, cosmetics, such as Gentian Violet, labeled pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act are exempt from the labeling provisions [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS] of the HCS, 29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(5)(iii) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS]. Cosmetics packaged for sale to consumers in a retail establishment and those intended for personal consumption by employees in the workplace are not covered by the HCS only if these conditions are met, 29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(6)(viii) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS]. However, cosmetics such as Gentian Violet are covered when they contain hazardous chemicals and used in an occupational setting such as a medical office where employees are exposed to the product repeatedly during work. At your facility, employees are exposed whenever they use the product on the patients and, therefore, must be made aware of the hazards and recommended protective measures through an MSDS even if it is considered a cosmetic.
[ILPI note: At issuance: HCS 1994, pre-GHS archive. The FDA-label exemption does not itself remove SDS duties. The separate cosmetic and consumer-product exemptions depend on their stated conditions.]
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In the event you make another request for an MSDS, Cumberland Swan should be made aware that: 1) your employees are not personally using this product; 2) it is being used in an occupational setting repeatedly throughout the workday; and 3) although ordinarily considered a "consumer product," the use of Gentian Violet in your workplace results in duration and frequency of exposures far greater than exposures experienced by normal consumers using it for its intended purpose. The exemption to the HCS stated in 1910.1200(b)(6)(viii) and 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix) [ILPI: Original HCS 1994 context · Current HCS], therefore, does not appear to apply to this product as used in your workplace.
Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850.
Sincerely,
Richard E. Fairfax, Director
Directorate of Enforcement Programs
The original official public domain version of this document is available from OSHA at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2007-03-07-2.