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
A centralized repository for the electronic collection and dissemination of MSDSs. 1910.1200
Fire fighter personal protective clothing issues. 1910.120, 1910.156
Proper PPE for firefighters. 1910.120, 1910.156
Safety and Health regulations over large dairy farms. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.111, 1910.142, 1910.145, 1910.266, 1910.1027, 1910.1200, 1910.1201, 1928 - Table of Contents
OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. 1910.120
SCBA cylinder interchangeability. 1910.134(d)(1)(ii), 1910.156(f)(1)(iv), 1910.120(q)(3)(x)
Provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
A hazardous chemical is any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health standard. 1910.132, 1910.1200
Clarification of the definition of a hazardous chemical and the requirements for Material Safety Data Sheets. 1910.1200
Requirements for labeling portable fire extinguishers. 1910.1200
OSHA's regulations for chemicals used in the workplace, and in particular, glutaraldehyde. 1910.1000, 1910.1200
Interpretation on the requirements of the hazard communication standard with regard to fiberglass products. 1910.1200
Emergency response training requirements for hospital staff. 1910.120
The government's handling of workers' reports of exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. 1910.1200
Appropriate protective clothing for aircraft firefighting. 1910.120, 1910.156
Manufacturers' use of the Internet for distribution of MSDSs to downstream users. 1910.1200(g)(6), 1910.1200(g)(7), 1910.1200(g)(8)
Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200(g)(6)
The dental industry's concerns regarding compliance with certain provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). 1910.1200
Information required on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). 1910.1200
Material Safety Data Sheets. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(8)