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
[De Minimis] Violation Notices: Blood Laboratory Proficiency Testing and Approval 1910.1025, 1910.1025(j)(2)(iii), 1926.62, 1926.62(j)(2)(iii)
Hazard Communication Standard – SDS responsible party and hazards not otherwise classified 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(6), 1910.1200(g)(2)(ii), 1910.1200 App C, 1910.1200 App D
The use of braces with rigid stays. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(F)
Prescription medications, such as an Epi-Pen considered medical treatment beyond first-aid. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
A powered industrial truck is not unattended if still in view by the nearby operator 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)
Hearing Conservation Program 1910.95(c)
Clarification on the use of a cold therapy only setting on a therapeutic device is first-aid 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)
EPA Risk Pesticides Subject to HCS Labeling 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(5)(i), 1910.1200(b)(5)(v), 1910.1200(g)
Who can perform a pulmonary function test (PFT) in compliance with the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards? 1910.1053(i)(2)(iv), 1926.1153(h)(2)(iv)
CPDA's request to extend the deadline for distributors to label non-pesticide agricultural chemical products in accordance with the HCS 2012 1910.1200(j)(2), 1910.1200(j)(2)(i)
Compliance with the access provisions when using a software application containing the records 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.29(b)(6), 1904.35, 1904.40
Hazard Communication Standard – SDS Physical and Chemical Properties 1910.1200
Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Record and the OSHA’s Federal Labor Laws Poster 1910.1020(g)(1), 1910.1020(c)(5), 1910.1020(c)(6), 1903.2
Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in General Industry/Maritime standard, 29 CFR 1910.1053 – June 23, 2018, Enforcement Date 1910.1053, 1926.1153, 1926.1153(d)(2)(v)
Notice of Delay in Enforcement for Certain Provisions of the Beryllium Standards to August 9, 2018
Exit route stairways that comply with the codes of the NFPA and the IFC 1910.6, 1910.34 - Index, 1910.35 - Index, 1910.36(g), 1910.37 - Index
Extension of the National Emphasis Program on Amputations (NEP) until September 30, 2019 1910 Subpart J - Index, 1910 Subpart O - Index, 1910 Subpart P - Index
HCS pictogram labeling of DOT-39 Non-Refillable Cylinders 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1)
Enforcement Launch for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard in General Industry and Maritime, 29 CFR § 1910.1053
Flammable Liquid Processing Letter 1910.106, 1910.119