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
Employers' obligation to pay for personal protective equipment. 1910.132
Transmittal of Settlement Agreement. 1910.132
The application of the Personal Protective Equipment standard to PPE hazard assessment and training for laboratory and clinical health care workers. 1910.132, 1910.145, 1910.1030, 1910.1450
An interpretation of the Telecommunications Standard regarding Personal Protective Equipment. 1910.5, 1910.132, 1910.268
Employer Obligation to Pay for Personal Protective Equipment. 1910.132, 1910.138
Requirements for emergency eyewash stations in retail autoparts stores 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.303, 1910.307
Standard requirements for eyewash and shower equipment, personnel and other protective equipment and air circulation fans, used in an automotive battery charging area 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.178, 1910.303, 1910.307
Exemption from wearing hard hats. 1910.132, 1910.135
The use of a crane near overhead power lines. 1926.550, 1926.416, 1910.132, 1926.95
Personal protective equipment, general requirements and employer responsibility. 1910.132
Evaluation and use of radiofrequency protective clothing 1910.132
Use of personal protective equipment by electric utility linesmen. 1910.268, 1910.132
The use of Billy Pugh baskets in the fishing and fish processing industry. 1910.132
Landscaping employees working in extreme temperatures 1910.132, 1910.141
OSHA rules pertaining to the wearing of hard hats by employees who are members of certain religious groups. 1910.132, 1910.135
Hazards to and personal protective equipment for hands and torsos of retail meat cutters. 1910.132
Sharp knives and utensils in the workplace 1910.132
Hazwoper training in hospitals. 1910.120, 1910.120(q), 1910.1200, 1910.1047, 1910.1047(h), 1910.134, 1910.132
The wearing of leather shoes rather than leather sneakers or deck shoes while operating vehicles. 1910.132, 1910.136
Occupational protective footwear for molten metal workers in the foundry industry. 1910.132, 1910.136