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 requirements for mercury response and clean-up personnel in a number of different site-specific scenarios. 1910.120, 1910.1000
Using the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to Comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)
Use of physical versus mailing address of the responsible party listed on the MSDS. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(2)(xii)
Application of OSHA PEL for nitric oxide as 8-hr TWA to pregnant employees. 1910.1000, 1910.1200, 1910.1200(e), 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(g), 1910.1200(h)
Alleged deficiencies on an MSDS for one of Icynene's insulation products. 1910.1200(g), 1910.1200(g)(2)
Clarification on acceptability of National Environmental Trainers, Inc. (NET) interactive 40-hour training program. 1910.120
Alleged deficiencies contained on a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for a spray-on insulation product (the Icynene Insulation System). 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(2)
Training requirements for fire investigators. 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6)
Requirements for labeling products that contain a nitrate or nitrite. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix), 1910.1200(f)(1)(i)
Requirements of the HCS and the employer's ability to rely on a manufacturer's hazard determination. 1910.132(d)(1), 1910.1200(g)(5), 1910.1200(h)
Clarification of CPL 02-02-073 as it pertains to emergency response training for firefighters. 1910.120(q)(6)(i), 1910.120(q)(6)(ii), 1910.120(q)(6)(iii)
Whether written programs may be kept solely in an electronic format. 1910.146(c)(4), 1910.1030(c)(1)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iii), 1910.1200(e)(1), 1910.1200(e)(4)
Requirements for labels and material safety data sheets for distributors of lumber. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(6)(iv), 1910.1200(f)(2)(i), 1910.1200(g)(7)(iii)
Whether a combination course can meet refresher training requirements in 1910.120(e)(8) and the OSHA 10-hour construction industry outreach program. 1910.120, 1910.120(e)(8)
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 a "hybrid" course to meet training requirements for both a general site worker and a hazardous materials technician under HAZWOPER. 1910.120, 1910.120(e), 1910.120(e)(2)(i), 1910.120(e)(3)(i), 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(6)(iii), 1910.120(q)(6)(iii)(D)
Clarification of the requirement to provide accurate and current hazard information on an MSDS. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(2)(xi)
Request to provide list of corrosive materials and concentrations requiring use of emergency eyewashes and showers. 1910.132(d), 1910.133(a)(1), 1910.151(c)(1), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(g), 1926.50(g)
Clarification of whether an employee can opt out of medical surveillance examinations under the HAZWOPER standard, 29 CFR 1910.120. 1910.120, 1910.120(f), 1910.120(q)(9), 1910.120(q)(9)(i)