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

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Date Title Standard Number
OSHA's decision not to provide a religious exemption from the respirator standard. 1910.132(b), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.134, 1910.134(b), 1910.134(d)(1)
Payment for ski helmets when used as PPE. 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.132(h)
Flame-resistant and flame-retardant treated clothing for oil and gas well drilling, servicing, and production-related operations 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.106, 1910.119
Supply shortages of flame resistant clothing (FRC) for oil and gas well drilling 1910.132
Safety hazards associated with wearing skirts in a restaurant setting. 1910.132
Clarification of term "Active Hydrocarbon Zone" as it relates to the oil and gas well drilling operations; and the need to use FRC when performing drilling operations 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.106, 1910.119
Whether use of personal protective equipment is mandatory when working under heat stress conditions. 1910.132, 1910.137, 1910.335, 1910.335(a)
Enforcement Policy for Flame-Resistant Clothing in Oil and Gas Drilling, Well Servicing, and Production-Related Operations 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.132(d)
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Standard 1910.132
Painting or placement of adhesive stickers on protective helmet shell. 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.135
Clarification of specialty footwear and employer requirements to provide at no cost to its employees. 1910.132, 1910.132(h)(2)
Payment for static dissipative safety-toe footwear for working with flammable liquids and products. 1910.132, 1910.132(h)(2)
Payment for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers. 1910.132(h)(2), 1910.132(h)(3), 1910.132(h)(4), 1910.132(h)(5), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.268(g), 1910.269(g), 1910.269(g)(2), 1910.269(g)(2)(v), 1926.951(b)
Payment for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers. 1910.132(h)(2), 1910.132(h)(3), 1910.132(h)(4), 1910.132(h)(5), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.268(g), 1910.269(g), 1910.269(g)(2), 1910.269(g)(2)(v), 1926.951(b)
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)
Employer payment for lineman belts and hooks when the equipment is used to comply with an OSHA standard. 1910.132, 1910.132(h)
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)
Determining the presence of blood in mixture that comprises raw sewage. 1910.132, 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b)
Requirement for employer to assess potential hazards of handling trailer debris to provide necessary PPE and hazard communication information to affected employees. 1910.120(q), 1910.132, 1910.134(a)(2), 1910.1200
Employer liability and payment requirements for prescription protective eyewear. 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.133(a)(3)