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
Inspection Guidance for Animal Slaughtering and Processing Establishments 1903.8, 1904, 1910 Subpart E, 1910.95, 1910.111, 1910.119, 1910.132, 1910.141, 1910.147, 1910.212, 1910.1000, 1910.1200, 1913.10
Cranes and the use of protective helmets 1910.135, 1910.135(a)(1), 1910.135(b)(1), 1910.179(n)(3)(vi), 1910.132(d)(1)
Hazard assessments for PPE at disaster clean-up sites with multiple employers 1910.120, 1910.132, 1910.132(d)(1), 1910.132(d)(2)
COVID-19 Focused Inspection Initiative in Healthcare 1904, 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.502, 1910.1020
Heat Initiative: Inspection Guidance 1904.7(b)(5), 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.141, 1910.1020, 1915.88, 1917.127, 1918.95, 1926.20, 1926.21, 1926.51, 1928.110
Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.141, 1910.145, 1910.1020
OSHA requirements for smoke plume generated from laser and electrosurgical instruments in dental offices and hospital operating rooms 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.1000
Inspection Guidance for Poultry Slaughtering and Poultry Processing Establishments 1904 - Table of Contents, 1910 Subpart E, 1910.95, 1910.119, 1910.132, 1910.141, 1910.147, 1910.212, 1910.1200, 1913.10
Container labeling of non-pesticide agrichemical products packaged for shipment 1910.132(d), 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1)
Inspection Guidance for Inpatient Healthcare Settings 1910.23, 1910.132, 1910.1030, 1910.1200, 1913.10
Seat belt use when operating baggage handling equipment around aircraft and aircraft associated locations. 1910.132(a)
Employer payment for personal protective equipment 1910.132, 1915.152, 1917.96, 1918.106, 1926.95
The use of hard hats while working on roofs in hot weather 1910.132(d), 1910.135, 1926.100
Employer Personal Protective Equipment Workplace Hazard Assessment For Footwear 1910.132(d)(1), 1910.132(h)(2), 1910.136(a), 1910.136(b)(1)
Guidance Regarding Body Armor 1910.132
Guidance on Handling Cases Developed Pursuant to the FRC Enforcement Policy Memorandum. 1910.132, 1910.132(a)
Steel-toed Safety Shoes for Diabetics 1910.132, 1910.136
Clarification of OSHA's position on FR Clothing for welders. 1910.252, 1910.252(b)(3), 1910.132
Dental office employers with one or more employees must comply with the OSH Act. 1975.4, 1910.1200, 1910.1030, 1910.132
Certified flame-resistant clothing (FRC) used by industrial personnel. 1910.132