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.

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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Exclusion of arsenic-treated wood from OSHA's Inorganic Arsenic standard 1910.1018, 1910.1018(a), 1910.1200, 1926.1118, 1926.1126
Safety of Compressed Gas Cylinders on Portable Carts 1910.101 - Index, 1910.101(b), 1910.102(a), 1910.253(b)(3)(ii), 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D), 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(A), 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(B), 1926.350(a)(7), 1926.350(a)(9), 1926.350(b)(3), 1926.350(j)
OSHA standards applicable to medical and safety uses of pure nitrogen gas 1910.101, 1910.1200, 1910.1450
Definition of secure for handling of compressed gases in containers 1910.101(b)
Chemical manufacturer's responsibility with regard to inorganic arsenic under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1018, 1910.1018(a), 1910.1018(b), 1910.1018(p)(3), 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(c)
Storage and use of compressed gas cylinders; whether cylinder is considered an oxidizing compressed gas or oxygen cylinder. 1910.101, 1910.101(a), 1910.101(b), 1910.1200, 1910.1450
Use of the BoaGripTM sling to move compressed-gas cylinders in general industry. 1910.101, 1910.101(b), 1910.253, 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Inspection and maintenance requirements for compressed natural gas storage cylinders; use of updated Compressed Gas Association pamphlets for guidance. 1910.101, 1910.101(a)
Abrasive blasting monitoring requirements and sampling procedures. 1910.94(a)(2), 1926.57(f)(2), 1926.62(d), 1910.1018(e), 1910.1027(d)
Notification compliance for employees exposed above inorganic arsenic PEL. 1910.1018(d)(1), 1910.1018(d)(2), 1910.1018(g)(2)
Storage of propane and ether gas cylinders with flammable materials is not allowed. 1910.101(b)
Chest X-ray and sputum cytology requirements. 1910.1018, 1910.1029
Medical surveillance requirement in the Vinyl Chloride Standard 1910.1017. 1910.1017
8-hour total weight average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL). 1910.1000, 1910.1001, 1910.1017, 1910.1018, 1910.1025, 1910.1027, 1910.1028, 1910.1029, 1910.1043, 1910.1044, 1910.1045, 1910.1047, 1910.1048, 1910.1050, 1910.1051, 1910.1052
Clarification of the application of the Vinyl Chloride Standard and the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. 1910.1017, 1910.120
Occupational health hazards to veterinarians. 1910.1000, 1910.1200, 1910.1030, 1910.101
Use of compressed air when cleaning arsenic and lead contaminated surfaces 1910.1018(k)(2), 1910.1025(h)(2)
Acceptability of X-ray film size 16" X 17". 1910.1027(l)(4)(ii)(C), 1926.1127(l)(4)(ii)(C), 1910.1018(n)(2)(ii)(A), 1910.1029(j)(2)(ii), 1910.1045(n)(2)(iii)
Protective footwear requirements for inorganic arsenic and lead. 1910.1018, 1910.1025
Applicability of compressed gas cylinder standard to workplaces subject to the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard 1910.120, 1910.101