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
Clarification of the respiratory protection medical evaluation. 1910.134(e)(2)
Using slide locks in lieu of die blocks on mechanical power presses. 1910.217(d)(9)(iv)
Application of 1910.269 to aerial lift devices. 1910.269(p)(4)
Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. 1926.403(a), 1926.403(e), 1926.405(g)(2)(iii), 1926.416(e)(1)
Respiratory protecton standard two-in/two-out policy. 1910.134(g)(4)
Use of ethylene oxide alarm systems with sensors 1910.1047(h)(2)
Requirements for ringbuoys, life jackets, and skiffs when working over or near water. 1926.106
Grounding precautions for arc welding from suspended scaffolds. 1926.451(f)(17)
PSM standard coverage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. 1910.119, 1926.64
Enforcement policy for abrasive-blasting respiratory protection under the Lead in Construction Interim Final Rule. 1926.62(f), 1910.134
Respiratory protection for anhydrous ammonia storage installations. 1910.111, 1910.134
Employee declination of medical evaluation; religious exemptions for respirator use. 1910.134
Hazard determination; labeling of solid materials. 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f)(2)
Amendments to methylene chloride standard 1910.1052
Building owner requirements in the asbestos standards. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
Clarification of fall protection requirements for open holes on a construction site. 1926.500(b), 1926.501(b)(4)(ii)
Clarification of the medical evaluation provisions of the revised respiratory protection standard. 1910.134(e)
When to use qualitative or quantitative fit testing; storing SCBAs on fire trucks. 1910.134(f), 1910.134(h)(2), 1910.134 App A
Exposure limits and symptoms of Hydroquinone, acetic acid, and glutaraldehyde exposure. 1910.1000
Format for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). 1910.1200, 1926.59