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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Date Title Standard Number
Enforcement Guidance Under OSHA's Recordkeeping Regulation When First Aid, Active Release Techniques (ART), and Exercise/Stretching Are Used to Treat Musculoskeletal Injuries and Illnesses 1904, 1904.4, 1904.7, 1904.8, 1904.9, 1904.10, 1904.11, 1904.46, 1910.151
Frequency of refresher training for first aid and CPR 1910.146(k)(2)(iii), 1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.266(i)(7), 1910.269(b)(1), 1910.410(a)(3), 1915.87, 1915.87(c)(5), 1926.50, 1926.50(c), 1926.951, 1926.968
Emergency eyewash requirements for eye hazards caused by bloodborne pathogens 1910.151(c), 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi), 1910.1030(d)(3)(x)
Cyanide Antidotes 1910.126(e), 1910.151, 1910.151(a), 1910.1000
First aid for bleeding control 1910.151(a), 1910.151(b), 1910.266(i)(7), 1910.269(b)(1)(ii), 1910.410(a)(3), 1915.87(c)(5), 1915.87(d), 1917.26, 1918.97(b), 1926.50(c), 1926.50(d)(1)
IIAR Eye Wash and Shower LOI (Smith Letter) 1910.151(c)
Controlling Employee Exposure To Caustic Battery Acid In Battery Charging Areas 1910.151(c)
Clarification of OSHA training requirements for basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 1910.151, 1910.146, 1910.266, 1910.269, 1910.410, 1926.950
Requirements for eyewash and shower facilities. 1910.151, 1910.151(c)
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)
Clarification of "in near proximity" and OSHA's discretion in enforcing first aid requirements in particular cases. 1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.266, 1910.266(i)(7), 1910.269, 1910.269(b), 1926.50, 1926.50(c)
Requirement to provide accessible quick drenching and flushing facilities where there is exposure to corrosive materials. 1910.151, 1910.151(c)
Clarification on providing first aid training and maintenance of medical records under OSHA's BBP standard. 1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.1030, 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii)(A)
OSHA's requirement to provide first aid supplies specific to the needs of the workplace. 1910.151, 1910.151(b)
Locked first aid cabinets in the workplace. 1910.151(b)
OSHA requirements for providing training for first aid, CPR, and BBP for prompt treatment of injured employees at various workplaces. 1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.266, 1910.266(i)(7), 1910.269, 1910.269(b), 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(g)(2), 1926.50, 1926.50(c)
CPR training is a required element in some OSHA general industry standards. 1910.151(b), 1910.146, 1910.266, 1910.269
Automated External Defibrillator training is not specifically required by the Permit-Required Confined Space standard; AEDs are not required first aid supplies. 1910.146(k)(2)(iii), 1910.151(b)
Training and designation of first aid providers in general industry and construction. 1910.151(b), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1926.50(c)
Requirements for providing eyewashes/showers near spray finishing operations. 1910.151(c), 1910.107