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
Response to request for OSHA endorsement of a distributor's program for downstream transmittal of MSDSs. 1910.1200(g)
Applicability of the HCS to diesel exhaust emissions and diesel fuel 1910.1200
MSDS distribution responsibilities for chemical manufacturers and importers, distributors and retail distributors. 1910.1200(g)(6)
Hazard determination criteria for corrosive liquids. 1910.1200(d)
Applicability of the Hazard Communication Standard to stevedores in the containerized shipping industry. 1910.1200
Lift trucks or other machines found in the workplace are not containers for labeling requirements of the HCS. 1910.1200(f)
Hazard determination and MSDS requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(g)
Crystalline silica considered a carcinogen under the HCS. 1910.1200
Exemption of hazardous waste samples sent to a laboratory for analysis from the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Enforcement of the Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200
Copies of MSDSs and the written hazard communication program must be provided to an employee representative. 1910.1200
Overwarning on Hazard Labels 1910.1200(f)
HCS training for employees contracted to jobs working under the supervision of another employer. 1910.1200(h)
Letter to Lawrence N. Curcio from Thomas Shepich concerning requirements of the HCS on labeling of IARC category 2B carcinogens 1910.1200
Clarification of Material Safety Data Sheet Requirements Under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Office workers routinely performing short clean up procedures using chemicals covered by the HCS. 1910.1200
Material Safety Data Sheet Requirements Under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200(g)
Employers are responsible for training new employees on the HCS 1910.1200(h)
Articles such as styrofoam and white-out exempt from HCS requirements in florist shops. 1910.1200(b)(6)(iv)
Retraining employees who have been previously trained by another employer. 1910.1200(h)