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
Storage of water-reactive materials with flammable or combustible liquids in the same room or area. 1910.106, 1910.106(d)(7)(iv)
Reasonable access to toilet facilities; citation analysis for failure to allow access to toilet facilities. 1910.141, 1910.141(c)(1)(i)
HAZWOPER training requirements for hospital staff who decontaminate chemically contaminated patients. 1910.120
OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements;they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. 1926.760, 1926.760(a), 1926.760(a)(1), 1926 - Table of Contents, 1926.760(b), 1926.760(c), 1926.760(a)(3)
Acceptable use of antiseptic-hand cleansers for bloodborne pathogen decontamination and as an appropriate handwashing practice. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi)
Clarification of qualified employee requirements for the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution standard. 1910.269, 1910.269(a)(2)(i), 1910.269(l)(1)(i), 1910.269(b)(1), 1910.269(a)(2)
Static coefficients of friction for walking/working surfaces. 1910.22
Response to concerns about unsafe and unsanitary conditions within the meatpacking industry. 1908.1
Results of an MRI do not negate the recordability of a physician's recommendation. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
Engineering control requirements for allergy and immunization injections. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)
Batteries in powered industrial trucks must be secured horizontally and/or vertically 1910.178, 1910.178(g)(5)
OSHA enforcement policy of the PSM standard distilleries and related facilities in SIC 2085. 1910.119, 1910.106, 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1926.64(a)(1)(ii)(B)
Employee access to needlestick and contaminated sharps injury log requirements. 1910.1030, 1904.35(b)(2), 1904.8
Enhanced Enforcement Policy for Employers Who Are Indifferent to Their Obligations Under the OSHAct. 1903 - Table of Contents, 1903.19
Beards may not interfere with face seal;alternative respirators for bearded employees. 1910.134, 1910.134(d)(1)(i), 1910.134(g)(1)(i)
Employee and employee representative access to MSDS; accompanying CSHOs on inspections. 1910.1200, 1903 - Table of Contents, 1910.1200(g)(8), 1903.8, 1903.8(a), 1903.8(b), 1903.8(c), 1903.8(d)
Application of absorbent pads for spill control;hazardous waste site cleanup training does not qualify worker as hazardous materials technician. 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(e)
Workplace exposure limits for ultra-violet radiation 1910.97, 1910.1096
Retesting of reassembled lifting accessories if original manufacturing controls are ensured; retesting requirement if repair/replacement of parts due to breakage, damage, or evidence of diminished capacity. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4)
Tunnel/Underground construction requirements: use of flexible bag lines for ventilation; location of main ventilation fan; and reversible ventilation 1926 - Table of Contents