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
Hazard Communication Standard inspections 1910.1200
Interpretation of the Hazard Communication standard as it applies to mixtures. 1910.1200
Application of the Hazard Communication standard to a nuisance particulate. 1910.1200
Coverage of steel, aluminum, and other metals under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Maintaining MSDSs on a computer data base. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.1020, 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.1020(e), 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(g)(8), 1910.1200(g)(9)
Conformation of labeling requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1)
Preparing a Material Safety Data Sheet under the trade secret provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Inspection procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Generic MSDSs to cover different products that contain the same chemicals in different proportions. 1910.1200
There is no requirement for employers to respond to requests for material safety data sheets (MSDS) for old products. 1910.1200
Twenty-four hour coverage for emergency telephone numbers. 1910.1200
MSDS and label requirements for an antiknock compound containing EDB, EDC, and tetraethyl lead. 1910.1200
Response to a request that foundry castings be classified as articles under the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
MSDS requirements for complex mixtures with similar hazards. 1910.1200
Position on MSDS format for compliance with the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
Update to House Subcommittee on Manpower and Housing on implementing OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.37 1910.120
Requirements for alternate warning methods, delays between filling and labeling a chemical container, and label identification of mixtures under HCS. 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(f)(4), 1910.1200(f)(5), 1910.1200(g)
Relationship between the hazard communication standard and the Department of Defense's requirement for safeguarding classified information. 1910.1200
MSDS requirements for products that are composed of a mixture of non-interacting chemicals. 1910.1200