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
Request for interpretation of Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). 1910.1200
Response to IDLH or Potential IDLH atmospheres. 1910.134(g), 1910.120, 1910.156
Requirements for spill containment mats under retail displays of lawn and garden chemicals within stores. 1910.120, 1910.1200
OSHA guidance on Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. 1910.120
Health effects of prolonged exposure to paint related materials. 1910.1200
Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and the requirement for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). 1910.1200
Hazard Communication Standard requirements for labeling fire extinguishers. 1910.1200, 1910.1201
Clarification of the application of the Vinyl Chloride Standard and the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. 1910.1017, 1910.120
Community response personnel with regards to HAZWOPER. 1910.120
The harmfulness of photographic chemicals used in the C-41 color processing procedure. 1910.1200
Guidance on whether an inert gas in the non-compressed state represent hazardous chemicals under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets. 1910.1200
The need for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). 1910.1200
Companies who send their employees to a service station to fill up company vehicles. 1910.1200
Review of Manual for training personnel engaged in oil spill emergency response. 1910.120, 1910.121, 1910.146, 1910.1200, 1910.1030
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. 1910.120
Abortion clinics do not comply with OSHA regulations and guidelines. 1910.1200, 1910.1030
OSHA's hazard communication requirements for the wood products you sell 1910.1200
Fall Protection at residential construction sites. 1926.501(b)(13), 1910.1200(g)
The use of computer-based training to satisfy OSHA training requirements. 1910.120, 1926.65