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.

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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

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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
Sanitation facilities for railroad track employees and roadway maintenance groups 1910.141, 1926.51
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail industry 1904.39(b)(6), 1904.4(a), 1910.141
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
Consuming hydrating liquids and solids in aluminum smelting facilities with beryllium below 0.1 percent (0.1%) by weight 1910.141(g)(2), 1910.1024, 1910.1024(b), 1910.1024(i)(4), 1910.1024(i)(4)(ii)
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
Sanitation-Toilet Facility 1910.141(c)(1)(i)
Labeling Nonpotable Water 1910.141(b)(2)(i)
Recordkeeping regulation contained in 29 CFR Part 1904 - Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5(b), 1910.141(a), 1910.141(a)
Clarification of the Chromium (VI) Standard - Change Rooms and Hygiene Practices. 1910.141, 1910.141(e), 1910.1026, 1910.1026(h)(1), 1910.1026(i)(1)
Storing Lunches in a Refrigerator at an Auto Collision Shop 1910.141
Consuming food and/or beverages in the same work area where known hazardous chemicals are used. 1910.141, 1910.141(a)(2), 1910.141(g)(2)
Whether a pH buffer solution can be used as a cleansing agent for employees who work with portland cement 1910.141(d)(2), 1910.141(d)(2)(i), 1910.141(d)(2)(ii), 1910.141(d)(2)(iii), 1910.141(d)(2)(iv), 1915.97(b), 1926.51(f)(1)
Use of paper towels instead of electric blow dryers in public restrooms. 1910.141, 1910.141(d)(2)(iv)
Requirements for covered beverages at nurses' stations. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix), 1910.141, 1910.141(g)(2)
Requirements for "nature breaks" and weather-related "comfort breaks" for US Postal Service employee. 1910.141, 1910.141(c)(1)(ii)
Access to toilet facilities in a call center. 1910.141, 1910.141(c)(1)(i)
OSHA's regulations regarding restrooms for general industry. 1910.141, 1910.141(c)
Reasonable access to toilet facilities; citation analysis for failure to allow access to toilet facilities. 1910.141, 1910.141(c)(1)(i)