Letters of Interpretation

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. Each 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.

These letters of interpretation and the standards they address may not apply to OSHA State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or additional requirements. Please see OSHA-approved State Plans for more information.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Requirements for emergency response and planning under the Process Safety Management Standard. 1910.38(a), 1910.38(c)(3), 1910.119(n), 1910.120(a), 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(1), 1910.120(q)(6)(ii), 1910.120(q)(6)(iii)
HAZWOPER training requirements for hospital staff who decontaminate chemically contaminated patients. 1910.120
Application of absorbent pads for spill control;hazardous waste site cleanup training does not qualify worker as hazardous materials technician. 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(e)
Respiratory protection and emergency escape requirements for IDLH atmospheres. 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(3), 1910.134, 1910.134(g)(3), 1910.146, 1910.146(i), 1910.146(k)(1)
Training and PPE requirements for hospital staff that decontaminate victims/patients. 1910.120, 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(3), 1910.120(q)(3)(iv), 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(6)(ii), 1910.134, 1910.134(c), 1910.132, 1910.132(d), 1910.132(d)(2)
HAZWOPER safety and health plan requirements for Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments. 1910.120(b)(4), 1910.120(b)(4)(ii), 1910.120(d), 1910.120, 1926.21(b)(2)
HAZWOPER medical examinations must be offered at a reasonable time and without cost to the employee 1910.120(f)(5), 1910.120
Respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and training requirements under HAZWOPER 1910.134(e), 1910.134(f), 1910.134, 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6)(i), 1910.120(q)(6)(ii), 1910.120(q)(8)
Respiratory protection requirements for hospital staff decontaminating chemically contaminated patients. 1910.120, 1910.134, 1910.134(c), 1910.132, 1910.132(d), 1910.132(d)(2), 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(3), 1910.120(q)(3)(iv)
Hazwoper training for security guards; documentation necessary when training varies. 1910.120(q)(6)
LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart S, 1910.120(q), 1910.1030, 1910.1200
Web-based HAZWOPER refresher training: hands-on training and trainer accessibility. 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e)(8)
Emergency response training necessary for hospital physicians/nurses that may treat contaminated patients. 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(8)
Comparing medical evaluation requirements in the HAZWOPER, Respiratory protection, and Fire brigades standards. 1910.120(f), 1926.65(f), 1910.134(e), 1910.156(b)(2)
HAZWOPER refresher training and training documentation. 1910.120(e), 1910.120(e)(2), 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e), 1926.65(e)(2), 1926.65(e)(8)
Clarification of the requirements of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard 1910.120
Application of HAZWOPER. 1910.120
The requirements of paragraph (m) in the OSHA HAZWOPER Standard. 1910.120
OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. 1910.120
Emergency response training requirements for hospital staff. 1910.120