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
Substituting portable toilets for water closets may be a de minimis violation. 1910.141(a)(1), 1910.141(c)(1)(i), 1910.141(d)
Eating and drinking in a pharamacy. 1910.141(g)
Interpretation of 29 CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(i): Toilet Facilities 1910.141(c)(1)(i)
OSHA regulation on "piped" potable water supply. 1910.141, 1928.110
Telecommunication companies compliance with standard dealing with toilet facilities. 1910.141
Use of potable water. 1910.141
The requirement for change rooms whenever employees are required to wear personal protective clothing. 1910.120, 1910.141
OSHA regulates vermin control at permanent places of employment and at temporary labor camps. 1910.141(a)(5), 1910.142(j)
Landscaping employees working in extreme temperatures 1910.132, 1910.141
Orthodontics wires considered as "sharps" under CPL 2-2.69 1910.141
Asserting jurisdiction under State law over any occupational safety or health issue with respect to which no standard is in effect. 1903.20, 1910.141
Interim enforcement procedures for AIDS, Hepatitis B, and other blood-borne infectious diseases. 1910.132, 1910.22(a)(1), 1910.141(a)(4)(ii), 1910.145
OSHA has no specific standards for security guards. 1910.141
Reasonable judgment is needed in evaluating the proximity of required sanitary facilities. 1910.141(c)
Clarification of OSHA standards for toilet facilities. 1910.141
Showers and lunch areas. 1910.141
The location of adequate toilet facilities. 1910.141(c)(1)(i)