Employer Guidelines - Right-to-Know - Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances - Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH

In 1984 the Maryland General Assembly enacted legislation designed to give employees information about hazardous substances in their workplaces. This law, sometimes called the employee "Right-to-Know" Law, was amended in 1990 to include the provisions of the federal standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. The Right-to-Know Law is part of the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Act, and the provisions of the MOSH Act apply to the administration and enforcement of this law.

The "Right-to-Know" law requires employers to obtain, maintain, and submit certain information. It applies to most employers in the State and covers more than 50,000 chemicals, as well as hundreds of thousands of products.

The definition of hazardous chemicals includes physical hazards such as compressed oxidizers, as well as such health hazards as carcinogens, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers and agents which may damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Also covered are consumer products when they are used in a form, concentration or manner different from that used by consumers, or when employee exposure is greater than that of a consumer.

Updated April 16, 2010