What is a Letter of Interpretation

A letter of interpretation (LOI) provides supplementary guidance that clarifies how to apply the OSH Act, or a particular standard, policy, or procedure disseminated through the Code of Federal Regulations or the OSHA Directives System to a specified workplace situation or hazardous condition. LOIs may answer questions posed by OSHA, employers, employees, or other parties.

Review Existing Guidance

Your question or a similar question may have previously been answered. Before requesting a letter of interpretation please consult the following agency guidance and material which may address your question.

• OSHA’s Standard Interpretations Page
• OSHA’s Frequently Asked Questions Page
• OSHA’s A-Z Index Page
• OSHA’s Publications Page
• OSHA’s Help for Employers Page
• OSHA’s Compliance Assistance Page

What to Include in Your Interpretation Letter Request

• Name/Organization
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Email address

Parties should not request letters of interpretation when the issue is the subject of an ongoing OSHA investigation or litigation.

Where to Submit Your Request

If after consulting existing agency guidance and compliance assistance materials you still wish to request an interpretation letter, please submit your request one of the following ways:

By US Mail:
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N 3119
Washington, D.C. 20210

OR

By electronic request.

What Can a Letter of Interpretation Not Do

Endorse Products

OSHA does not approve or endorse specific products or equipment. Compliance with OSHA's standards is not determined by equipment or devices alone; such a determination must also take into account all factors pertaining to a device’s use at a particular worksite and how this protects employee safety and health. This must include an evaluation, through direct observation, of employee work practices and all conditions of use in the workplace. A letter requesting OSHA to review, endorse, or approve equipment or specific product will not be answered.

Change the Meaning of a Standard

OSHA is not authorized to change the meaning of a standard through a letter of interpretation. While the Agency may use interpretation letters to provide guidance to employers on how particular standards will be enforced by the Agency, interpretations must be consistent both with the purpose and language of the final rule as promulgated pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.