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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Team on Erection of Telecommunication Towers. 1926 Subpart M
Fall protection for employees climbing or moving on preassembled reinforcing steel assemblies. 1926.501
OSHA's enforcement policy to protect workers against glutaraldehyde exposure.
1910.119 does not apply to public displays of flame effects. 1910.119
Clarification of the definition of a hazardous chemical and the requirements for Material Safety Data Sheets. 1910.1200
OSHA's regulations for chemicals used in the workplace, and in particular, glutaraldehyde. 1910.1000, 1910.1200
Requirements for labeling portable fire extinguishers. 1910.1200
Glove bag methods for control of exposure to airborne asbestos. 1926.1101
Permissible Exposure Limits for Nuisance dust. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.134, 1910.1000
Coverage of Stored Flammables Under the Process Safety Management Standard. 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1926.64(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.106
Introduction of electrical welding equipment into a non-permit confined space. 1910.146, 1910.252, 1910.252(a)(4)(i), 1910.252(b)(4)(i), 1910.252(b)(4)(vii), 1910.252(c)(4), 1910.252(c)(9), 1910.252(c)(10), 1910 Subpart Q
Electrical standards and the application to electrically-powered medical devices. 1910 Subpart S
Federal agency injury/illness recordkeeping requirements for retired employees. 1960.67
Requirements for dual purpose mechanical equipment (digger derrick and aerial lift). 1910.67, 1926.453
The use of particulate filters and respirators. 1910.134(d)(3)(iv)(B)
OSHA's Nursing Home Health and Safety.
Interpretation on the requirements of the hazard communication standard with regard to fiberglass products. 1910.1200
The Process Safety Management Standard. 1910.119, 1926.64
Sheetrock and joint compound. 1910.1001, 1915 - Table of Contents, 1926.1101
Classification of asbestos work for employees performing asbestos inspections and obtaining bulk samples. 1926.1101