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
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Considerations for "incidental" spills cleaned up by maintenance personnel to satisfy the definition of "emergency response" 1910.120(a)(3)
Removal activities involving underground storage tanks. 1910.120
Criteria used to determine training requirements for employees working in contaminated and uncontaminated areas. 1910.120(c)
Application of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard to Specific Operations 1910.120(q)
Regarding the application of the OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard to the labeling of fabricated products. 1910.1200
Training requirements for employees doing occasional maintenance or repair work on a disposal site 1910.120(p)(7)
Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200
Voluntary Clean-up Operations Under 29 CFR 1910.120 1910.120(a)(1)(iii)
Interpretation on whether "an equivalent electronic information system" could be used in lieu of MSDSs to satisfy the HCS. 1910.1200(g)
"Guidelines for the preparation of warning labels for carbon and graphite electrical products". 1910.1200
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Concerning the conditions under which material data safety sheets are required. 1910.1200
Ventilation for an anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system. 1910.134, 1910.307(b), 1910.1000, 1910.1200
Provision of computer generated or FAX transmission MSDSs 1910.1200(g)(9), 1910.1200(g)(10)
Medical surveillance provisions in the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard. 1910.120(f)(2)
Availability of MSDSs on Construction Sites 1926.59, 1910.1200(e)(2), 1910.1200(g)(8)
Regarding labeling requirements order the OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Application of the HCS MSDS requirements to distributors selling hazardous chemicals to consumers and employers. 1910.1200
Interim response to the intent of "advance first-aid" mentioned in 1910.120(q)(3)(vi). 1910.120(q)(3)(vi)