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
Electrical Conductor Identification. 1910 Subpart S, 1910.269, 1910.303, 1910.304, 1910.399
The airflow rate required for a spray painting area. 1910.94(c), 1910.107, 1910.38, 1910.39
Clarification of the OSHA standards applicable to H. VIR (inspection) Windows installed in electrical equipment enclosures. 1910.399
Grounding requirements with respect to a battery charger used with rechargeable power tools. 1910.304, 1910.307, 1910.399
The Canadian Standards Association, a nationally recognized testing laboratory, marking and double insulated tools 1910.399
Variance request. 1910.107, 1910.107(h), 1910.107(h)(2), 1910.107(h)(6), 1910.107(h)(8), 1910.399
Certification of manufactured products intended for use in the workplace 1910.399, 1910.7
All electrical equipment must be approved. 1910.399
Emergency drainage systems for flammable/combustible liquids in industrial plants. 1910.106(e)(3)(iv), 1910.38, 1910.39
Electrical standards as it applies to desktop computers. 1910.303, 1910.399
Use of general protective equipment and tools by employees when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts in the workplace 1910.137, 1910.335, 1910.399
The use of Maxon-CS-0520-HD VHF transceivers. 1910.399
Repair/Rebuilding of UL Listed Equipment for Hazardous Locations. 1910.303(a), 1910.399
Fire brigades and portable fire extinguishers standards. 1910.156, 1910.38, 1910.39
The listing requirements in the U.S. for Industrial Packaging equipment. 1910.302, 1910.303(b)(2), 1910.308, 1910.399
Clarification of whether employee emergency action or fire prevention plans need to be in written form 1910.38, 1910.39, 1910.38(b), 1910.39(b)
Interpretation concerning dry type 5-15 kv transformers and definitions of the terms "acceptable" and "special equipment". 1910.399
Means of alerting employees during EtO emergency situations in hospitals;direct voice communication may be used to warn employees during an EtO emergency. 1910.1047, 1910.1047(h)(2), 1910.165, 1910.38, 1910.39
Testing equipment for use in potentially hazardous environments. 1910.303, 1910.304, 1910.307, 1910.399
Fire equipment training requirements. 1910.157, 1910.157(a), 1910.157(b), 1910.38, 1910.39