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
Application of OSHA standards when an employer is using the "Focused Electrode Leak Locator" (FELL) 1910.302, 1910.303, 1910.307(c)(1), 1910.307(c)(2), 1910.307(c)(3), 1910.399, 1910.146
NRTL approval is not required for non-electrical vacuum cleaners used in combustible dust atmospheres (Kim G. Feddersen/DEP/GIE/Harvey/26424) 1910.307 - Index
Using non-electrical equipment in locations with hazardous atmospheres. 1910.307
Use of portable vacuum cleaners for cleaning up aluminum and wood dust. 1910.399, 1910.307, 1910.307(b)(2)
NRTL certification for electrically-operated sewer inspection equipment. 1910.303(a), 1910.307
Electrical hazardous area classification drawings in the workplace. 1910.119, 1910.307
Grounding requirements with respect to a battery charger used with rechargeable power tools. 1910.304, 1910.307, 1910.399
Use of explosion proof certified equipment inside of pipes and manholes. 1910.146, 1910.307, 1926.651
What OSHA safety standards are applicable to underground sewer pipeline inspection camera systems. 1910.146, 1910.307
Classification of sweepers and scrubbers. 1910.178, 1910.307
Requirements for emergency eyewash stations in retail autoparts stores 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.303, 1910.307
Standard requirements for eyewash and shower equipment, personnel and other protective equipment and air circulation fans, used in an automotive battery charging area 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.178, 1910.303, 1910.307
Use of battery power operated cleaning equipment in hazardous locations. 1910.307(c)
Requirements for 'area classification drawings' for petrochemical plants. 1910.307
Ventilation for an anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system. 1910.134, 1910.307(b), 1910.1000, 1910.1200
MSHA testing and approval of bearing temperature equipment manufactured by Topf Enterprises. 1910.307
Testing equipment for use in potentially hazardous environments. 1910.303, 1910.304, 1910.307, 1910.399