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
Additional clarification of using ANSI Z358.1 as guidance to comply with 1910.151(c). 1910.151(c)
ANSI Z358.1 guidance for complying with 1910.151(c) citation policy for eyewashes and showers. 1910.151(c)
Clarification of 1910.151 (Medical Services and First Aid). 1910.151, 1910.151(b)
Using ANSI Z358.1 as guidance to comply with 1910.151(c) 1910.151(c)
Clarification of PIT requirements covering: fall protection and safety platforms, seatbelts, LP-gas storage, smoking, and eye wash stations 1910.178, 1910.178(f)(2), 1910.178(g)(10), 1910.151(c)
OSHA guidelines for First Aid training recommend CPR training as an element. 1910.151, 1910.151(b)
CPR/first aid training and "working alone" provisions of 1910.269 1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.151(c), 1910.269, 1910.269(b)(1), 1910.269(l)(1)
OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.53, Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs. 1910.151(b), 1926.50(c), 1910.266(i)(7), 1910.269(b), 1910.268(c)(3), 1910.142(k)(2), 1926.950(e), 1910.146(k)(2)(iii), 1926.605(d)(1), 1910.410(a)(3), 1915.12(e)(1)(iv)
Lack of public awareness of the limitations of eyewashes; review of new product, The Eye Irrigator(TM). 1910.133, 1910.151(c)
Interpretation of the First Aid standard. 1910.151, 1910.151(b)
Clarification regarding the use of eyewash stations. 1910.151, 1910.1200
OSHA first aid standard. 1910.151, 1910.151(b)
The OSHA enforcement guidelines revert to our original position of acceptance of the product with no other qualifications. 1910.151
Clarification of training requirements under 1910.151, (Medical Services and First Aid). 1910.151
Requirements for emergency deluge showers and/or eye/face wash units in the immediate area of ethylene oxide sterilizers used by health care facilities. 1910.151
The review of first aid training programs. 1910.151
Requirements for emergency eyewashes and showers. 1910.151(c), 1926.50(g)
Requirements for emergency eyewash stations in retail autoparts stores 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.303, 1910.307
Training material for first aid and CPR training. 1910.151
Out-of-doors emergency eyewash and shower installations in freezing and hot temperature areas. 1910.151