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
Inert gas as it applies to the hazard communication standard. 1926.59
Clarification on training for firefighters and HAZWOPER. 1910.120
Television transmission towers. 1910.97
Ethylene oxide tank changing operations. 1910.1047
Criteria for recording on OSHA Form 200. 1904 - Table of Contents
Housing on floating fish processors and barges. 1910.142
MSDS requirements for salt 1910.1200(g)
OSHA's position regarding compensating time spent taking employer-sponsored medical exams. 1910.151
Plywood as a substitute for meeting the standard. 1926.652
Recording use of expandable bandage and pinhead burns. 1904 - Table of Contents
Suspended personnel platforms. 1926.550(g), 1910.180(h)(3)(v), 1910.67(c)(2)(ix), 1926.453(b)(2)(ix)
Sterilization of spirometry tubing. 1910.1030
Bracing of masonry block walls. 1926.706
Ground fault protection for a construction job-site trailer. 1926.404(b)(1)(i)
American Dental Association "Checklist". 1910.1030
Acceptability of X-ray film size 16" X 17". 1910.1027(l)(4)(ii)(C), 1926.1127(l)(4)(ii)(C), 1910.1018(n)(2)(ii)(A), 1910.1029(j)(2)(ii), 1910.1045(n)(2)(iii)
Protective footwear requirements for inorganic arsenic and lead. 1910.1018, 1910.1025
Concerns for cost and necessity of bloodborne pathogens standard. 1910.1030
Blasting operations within completely contained vessel and sunup/sun own requirements. 1926.900
Product approval.