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
Applicability of the HCS to Lithium Ion Batteries 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(b)(5)(v), 1910.1200(b)(6)(v), 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(d)(1)
Transmitting bulk shipment labels by technological or other means 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(6), 1910.1200(f)(7)
The use of ANSI S3.1-1999 (R2018) MPANLs for audiometric testing 1910.95, 1910.95 App D
Impact on construction businesses by OSHA's NEP-Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards
Updating OSHA's Lead Standards' requirements for medical removal of employees based on hazardous blood lead levels 1910.1025, 1915.1025, 1926.62
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail industry 1904.39(b)(6), 1904.4(a), 1910.141
Chemicals associated with formaldehyde gas 1910.1048, 1910.1048(m)(1)(iv)
Exit Signs 1910.37(b)(7), 1910.35, 1910.34, 1910.36, 1910.37, 1910.6 - Index
Cathodic Protection and the Utilization of Metallic Bonding to Control Hazardous Energy 1910.147 - Index
COVID-19 Focused Inspection Initiative in Healthcare 1904, 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.502, 1910.1020
Employer Responsibilities and Contractor Responsibilities under the PSM Standard 1910.119(h)(2)(vi), 1910.119(h)(3)
Handling and disposal of respirable silica dust, contaminated equipment, and filters from vacuums and PPE 1910.1053, 1910.1053(d)(1), 1910.1053(h)(2), 1926.1153, 1926.1153(c)(1), 1926.1153(d)(2), 1926.1153(f)(2)
Approved Lifting Devices and Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers 1910.180(h)(2)(ii), 1910.180(h)(3)(i)(b)
Determining if injuries or illnesses are work-related when involved in a motor vehicle accident 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
Application of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed noise reduction rating (subject fit) (NRR (SF)) 1910.95, 1910.95(j)(1), 1910.95(j)(2), 1910.95(j)(3)
Respiratory protection against COVID-19 for employees with religiously mandated facial hair 1910.134, 1910.134(d)(1), 1910.502, 1910.502(f)(2)(i), 1910.502(f)(3)(i), 1910.504, 1910.504(d)(2)(ii)
Safety of Compressed Gas Cylinders on Portable Carts 1910.101 - Index, 1910.101(b), 1910.102(a), 1910.253(b)(3)(ii), 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D), 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(A), 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(B), 1926.350(a)(7), 1926.350(a)(9), 1926.350(b)(3), 1926.350(j)
Permit Required Confined Space Isolation 1910.146(b), 1926.1202
OSHA Noise PEL and extended workshifts 1910.95(a), 1910.95(b)(1), 1910.95(b)(3)
Single HCS Compliant Shipping Label that includes DOT and/or State Requirements 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(3), 1910.1200 App C