This review suggested that OSHA and EPA regulations promulgated to date contain the needed framework to consider generic standards in the 1990s. Missing in OSHA standards has been the requirement for a competent person to define and manage an occupational health program and the requirement for all employers who have toxic materials with significant exposures to have a basic occupational health program. Fundamental to generic standards was the need to define what is meant by toxic substance and significant exposure level. The author suggests that NIOSH should maintain a list of recognized safe exposure levels that have been recommended by credible organizations including NIOSH. Action levels should be defined as one half the lowest recognized safe exposure level. It is proposed that all employers be required to conduct an initial inspection of their workplace, using competent persons, to determine if exposures exceed action levels. If exposure levels are found to be in excess of action levels, then the basic elements of current standards would be required, including regular employee exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, sanitation, training and education, and a management plan.