OSHA 1910.1002
Coal tar pitch volatiles definition
Subpart Z
Questions & Answers
Under 1910.1002, is asphalt regulated as a coal tar pitch volatile?
No — Asphalt is explicitly excluded from the “coal tar pitch volatiles” standard. The regulation states that asphalt (CAS 8052-42-4 and CAS 64742-93-4) is not covered under 1910.1002. Employers should not treat asphalt as a coal tar pitch volatile under this standard.
Under 1910.1002, do petroleum-derived distillation residues count as coal tar pitch volatiles?
Yes — The definition in 1910.1002 includes fused polycyclic hydrocarbons that volatilize from distillation residues of petroleum, but it explicitly excludes asphalt. So petroleum-derived residues are covered unless they are specifically asphalt (CAS 8052-42-4 or CAS 64742-93-4).
Under 1910.1002, are fused polycyclic hydrocarbons from wood included in the definition?
Yes — 1910.1002 expressly includes fused polycyclic hydrocarbons that volatilize from distillation residues of wood as part of the term “coal tar pitch volatiles.”
Under 1910.1002, does the phrase “other organic matter” mean sources beyond coal, petroleum, and wood are covered?
Yes — The definition in 1910.1002 specifically lists coal, petroleum (excluding asphalt), and wood and then adds “other organic matter,” which means volatilized fused polycyclic hydrocarbons from other organic sources are also encompassed by the term when they meet the described characteristics.
Under 1910.1002, would a specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) such as benzo[a]pyrene be considered a coal tar pitch volatile?
Yes — If the substance is a fused polycyclic hydrocarbon that volatilizes from the listed distillation residues, it falls within the definition in 1910.1002. Benzo[a]pyrene is an example of a fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and would be covered when it volatilizes from those residues.
Under 1910.1002, how does this definition relate to the exposure limits in Table Z-1 of 1910.1000?
Direct relationship — The definition in 1910.1002 explains what is meant by “coal tar pitch volatiles” when that term appears in the exposure limits table in 1910.1000 (Table Z-1). Use the 1910.1002 definition to determine whether a material is the substance listed in Table Z-1.
Under 1910.1002, what are the CAS numbers for asphalt that are excluded?
They are CAS 8052-42-4 and CAS 64742-93-4 — 1910.1002 explicitly lists those two CAS numbers when stating that asphalt is not covered by the coal tar pitch volatiles standard.
Under 1910.1002, if a product is a mixture of asphalt and coal tar distillation residues, is the mixture covered?
It depends — Under 1910.1002, asphalt itself is excluded, but the standard covers fused polycyclic hydrocarbons that volatilize from distillation residues (coal, petroleum excluding asphalt, wood, and other organic matter). If the mixture contains volatilizing fused polycyclic hydrocarbons from coal tar or non-asphalt petroleum residues, those components meet the definition and are covered; pure asphalt components (CAS 8052-42-4 or 64742-93-4) are not covered by this specific standard.
Under 1910.1002, how should an employer determine whether a material emits coal tar pitch volatiles?
Use compositional information or testing — Employers should determine whether the material contains fused polycyclic hydrocarbons that volatilize from the listed distillation residues (coal, petroleum excluding asphalt, wood, or other organic matter) using supplier safety data sheets, chemical composition data, or analytical testing. The definition in 1910.1002 is the regulatory basis for that determination, and employers should rely on objective data to decide whether the substance falls within that definition.
Under 1910.1002, does the exclusion of asphalt remove all OSHA concern for asphalt exposures in the workplace?
No — The exclusion only means asphalt is not regulated under the coal tar pitch volatiles standard. Employers still must assess asphalt hazards and comply with other applicable OSHA requirements (for example, general industry standards and the air contaminants limits in 1910.1000), as well as implement proper controls, training, and PPE as needed.
Under 1910.1002, who sets this interpretation and where can I read the official definition?
Under 1910.1002, are materials derived from coal-tar pitch used in industry automatically subject to limits in Table Z-1?
Not automatically, but likely — If a material derived from coal-tar pitch emits the fused polycyclic hydrocarbons defined in 1910.1002, then those emissions are what the Table Z-1 entry for coal tar pitch volatiles addresses. Employers must evaluate whether their process or material produces those volatilized fused polycyclic hydrocarbons and, if so, apply the applicable exposure limits in 1910.1000 (Table Z-1).
Under 1910.1002, does the standard specify testing methods or exposure limits by itself?
No — 1910.1002 provides a definition, not testing procedures or PELs. The definition in 1910.1002 explains what is meant by “coal tar pitch volatiles,” while exposure limits and permissible exposure limits are given in 1910.1000 (Table Z-1). Employers should use the 1910.1002 definition to determine whether the Table Z-1 limits apply and follow accepted industrial hygiene methods for testing and monitoring.