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
Guarding of edges in marine terminals 1917.112
Computer-based training (CBT) for asbestos awareness with improved designs for learning effectiveness but shorter than the 2 hours required by the Asbestos Standard 1926.1101(k)(9)(vi)
Qualitative and quantitative fit tests versus assigned protection factors 1910.134(d), 1910.134(f)
Separate SDSs and labels for dual components 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(2)
Labeling outer containers of chemical cleaning products while in storage. 1910.1200(b)(4), 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(6)
Clarification of 1904.31 regarding who is responsible for recording injuries and illnesses when supervision is shared by a prime contractor and subcontractors. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.31
Bloodborne Pathogens Training and Hepatitis B Vaccination 1910.1030(f)(2), 1910.1030(g)(2)
Use of ductless welding booths to filter hexavalent chromium-contaminated air. 1910.1026, 1910.1026(f)(1)(i)
Delay of Enforcement of the Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction under 29 CFR 1926.1153 1926.1153
Training requirements for emergency response medical service 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(6)(i)
Applicability of OSHA standards to formaldehyde exposures in laboratories 1910.106, 1910.106(a)(31), 1910.106(d)(4), 1910.1048, 1910.1048(d), 1910.1048(e), 1910.1048(h)(1), 1910.1048(j)(4), 1910.1048 App A, 1910.1200(b)(3), 1910.1450, 1910.1450(a)(2), 1910.1450(d), 1910.1450(g)(1)(ii)
Hazard Communication Standard's (HCS 2012) June 1, 2016 effective date, 1910.1200(j) 1910.1200(f)(9), 1910.1200(f)(11), 1910.1200(j)
Labeling small containers 1910.1200(f)(1)
Safety Data Sheets for grinding wheels and abrasives 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(d)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(4)
Exemption of Variable Boom Reach Equipment "Reach Stackers" 1917.50, 1917.50(j)(1), 1910.178(l), 1917.43, 1917.1(a)(1)(xiv)
OSHA Interpretation on Connected System 29 CF 1910.119(b) 1910.119(b)
OSHA requirements for respirator fit testing with and without facepiece accessories 1910.134(f)(2), 1910.134(d)(1)(ii)
Hazard Communication Standard – Classifying 'Articles' 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(g)
Successor Employer 1904.34, 1910.95(g)(5), 1910.95(g)(9), 1910.95(m)(3), 1910.95(m)(4), 1910.95(m)(5), 1910.1020, 1910.1029(m)(4)
Use of reusable microblading tools in the cosmetic tattoo industry 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A), 1910.1030(g)(2)