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
PSM Standard exemption for "normally unoccupied remote facilites" (water treatment plant). 1910.119(a)(2)(iii), 1926.64(a)(2)(iii)
Using Universal Precautions with Bloodborne Pathogens. 1910.1030(d)(1), 1910.1030(d)(3)
Numerous clarifications regarding underground construction;variances; joint ventures. 1926.800, 1926.1431(k)(11)(i), 1926.16
Hoisting workers on crane load lines (boatswains' chair). 1926.550(g), 1926.550(g)(2), 1926.550(g)(6)(viii), 1926.452(o), 1926.451(g)(1)(i)
Posting of the notices and the OSHA Poster for mobile work crews. 1903.2
Seatbelts for forklifts; fall protection for scissor lifts. 1910.178
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applicability to radiopharmaceutical use. 1910.1030(a), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(4), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)
Asbestos standard: Joint compound is not a surfacing material. 1910.1001(b), 1926.1101(b)
Training and competency for oxygen-fuel gas welding equipment use 1910.253(a)(4), 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C)
Multiple interpretations regarding mechanical power presses 1910.217
HAZWOPER refresher training and training documentation. 1910.120(e), 1910.120(e)(2), 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e), 1926.65(e)(2), 1926.65(e)(8)
Injury/illness recordkeeping: access to records (fax);recording standard threshold shifts. 1904 - Table of Contents
Bloodborne pathogens standard covers immune globulins, albumin, and factors 8 and 9. 1910.1030(a)
Asbestos standard: Written opinion from the examining physician. 1926.1101(m)(4)(i)
OSHA's position on providing a drug-free workplace.
Two-in/two-out procedure in firefighting/IDLH environments. 1910.134(g)(4), 1975.3(d)
OSHA's penalty determination policy and consultation service. 1908 - Table of Contents
Definition of residential construction; use of slide guards. 1926.501(b)(13)
A chest freezer is not considered a PRCS. 1910.146(c)(1)
Annual inspection of bakery ovens by qualified persons. 1910.263(l)(9)(ii)