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
Responsible party for MSDSs and labelling of imported chemicals. 1910.1200(g)(2)(xii), 1910.1200(g)(5), 1910.1200(f)(1)(iii), 1910.1200(f)(11)
OSHA policies concerning employees working at home. 1904.14, 1910.1200(g), 1910.147, 1910.146, 1910.132
Employee access to MSDSs required by 1910.1200 vs. 1910.1020. 1910.1020, 1910.1020(e)(1)(iii)(A), 1910.1020(e)(1)(iii)(B), 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(8)
OSHA policies concerning employees working at home. 1904.14, 1910.1200(g), 1910.147, 1910.146, 1910.132
LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart S, 1910.120(q), 1910.1030, 1910.1200
OSHA will not currently pursue a national MSDS repository. 1910.1200(g)
HAZCOM: Clarification of "article" and "hazardous substance". 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(d)(4)
Using "stick-on" labels to meet the requirements of 1910.1200. 1910.1200(f)
One MSDS may apply to multiple complex mixtures having similar hazards. 1910.1200(g)(4)
Applicability of the Laboratory Standard; MSDS and labeling requirements. 1910.1450(a), 1910.1200(g), 1910.1200(f)(1)
Chemical suppliers must ensure downstream flow of hazard information (MSDSs). 1910.1200(g)
Hazard communication requirements for diatomaceous earth. 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(g)
Clarification of systems for electronic access to MSDSs 1910.1200(g)
Hazard determination; labeling of solid materials. 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f)(2)
Format for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). 1910.1200, 1926.59
Reporting threshold for non-carcinogenic mixtures on MSDSs. 1910.1200(d)
Definition of a mixture under the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200(c)
Using the telephone to back-up eletronic access to MSDSs. 1910.1200(g)(8)
The HCS does not apply to food items in a retail establishment 1910.1200, 1926.59
Manufacturer and employer responsibilities when providing MSDSs electronically. 1910.1200, 1926.59