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

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Date Title Standard Number
Information from the Solicitor of Labor concerning the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988.
Seat belts for occupants of side facing seats for off-highway vehicles. 1926.601
Request for permanent variance from section 1926.102(a)(2) denied. 1926.102(a)(2)
MSDS distribution responsibilities for chemical manufacturers and importers, distributors and retail distributors. 1910.1200(g)(6)
Hazard determination criteria for corrosive liquids. 1910.1200(d)
Booms in which lowering is controlled by a brake is prohibited without aid from other devices which slow the lowering speeds. 1926.550
Favorable Decision in Fluor Constructors, Inc. v. OSHRC, No. 87- 4029 that a six-foot lanyard is not a lifeline. 1926.451(g)(3)
Applicability of the Hazard Communication Standard to stevedores in the containerized shipping industry. 1910.1200
The use of fall protection devices during service activities by CATV personnel. 1910.268
Exemption for weighing outbound containers that are consolidated in a marine terminal. 1918.85, 1917.71
Interpretation of 1910.142(f)(3), Adequate Supply of Hot Water in Temporary Labor Camps 1910.142(f)(3)
Lift trucks or other machines found in the workplace are not containers for labeling requirements of the HCS. 1910.1200(f)
Above ground gas transmission and distribution piping systems. 1910.101
Where a safety monitor may be used in lieu of a motion-stopping-safety system (MSS system) on construction sites. 1926.500
Hazard determination and MSDS requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(g)
Interpretation of "special truck" as identified in 1910.252(a)(2) (v)(b)(4) 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D)
Grain Handling Standard, analytical requirements for percentage of fugitive dust and % combustible dust. 1910.272
The OSHA analytical reference method for asbestos requires 10% blanks with a minimum of 2 blanks for any set. 1910.1001, 1926.58
Gentex Shade 2.0 protective eyewear is in compliance with 1910.133(b)(2). 1910.133(b)(2)
Alarm devices not effective protection for hoisted personnel. 1926.550