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
Fire station fire poles and the OSHA standards. 1910.21(a)(2), 1910.144, 1910.145
Requirements relating to the operation of a two-spindle reaming/drilling/threading machine in a set-up mode. 1910.145, 1910.147, 1910.212, 1910.303
Implementation of a comprehensive chemical hygiene plan for lab operations 1910.1450
Time and resources needed to comply with Lab Standard is justifiable 1910.1450
Coverage of various types of laboratories by the Laboratory Standard 1910.1450
Chemical manipulation, production, multiple uses of chemicals in QC Labs 1910.1200, 1910.1450
Laboratory Standard's application in testing building products 1910.1200, 1910.1450
Applicability of the OSHA Laboratory Standard to laboratories within the electric utility industry. 1910.1200, 1910.1450
QC Labs conduct physicochemical analyses with no altering relating to Quality Control 1910.1450
Clarification of the "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" regulations regarding a Physician's written opinion 1910.1450
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. 1910.1450
Quality control laboratories are not expected to be covered under the Laboratory Standard 1910.1450
Incorporation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) into current Hazard Communication and/or other related manuals 1910.1450
Laboratory Standard does not cover routine tests supporting production but non-routine, non-production-related tests are covered 1910.1450
Interpretation of "high degree of acute toxicity" under the laboratory standard 1910.1450(e)(3)(viii), 1910.1450(b)
Interpretation of Substances With High Acute Toxicity as Used in the Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory Standard 1910.1450
The laboratory standard does not apply to a pharmacy operation mixing cytotoxic drugs. 1910.1450(a)(1)
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
Fall protection for employees exposed to hazardous falls from roofs. 1910.66(e)(3), 1910.23, 1910.145(c)(3)
Attachment requirements for window washing equipment. 1910.28(a)(2), 1910.28(a)(4), 1910.28(a)(26), 1910.28(g)(9), 1910.28(j)(4), 1910.66, 1910.145(c)(3)