Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Date	Title	Standard Number
05/15/1997	Requirements for labeling portable fire extinguishers.	1910.1200
05/15/1997	Clarification of the definition of a hazardous chemical and the requirements for Material Safety Data Sheets.	1910.1200
05/15/1997	Permissible Exposure Limits for Nuisance dust.	1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.134, 1910.1000
05/15/1997	Glove bag methods for control of exposure to airborne asbestos.	1926.1101
05/12/1997	Electrical standards and the application to electrically-powered medical devices.	1910 Subpart S
05/12/1997	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
05/12/1997	Coverage of Stored Flammables Under the Process Safety Management Standard.	1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1926.64(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.106
05/08/1997	Federal agency injury/illness recordkeeping requirements for retired employees.	1960.67
05/05/1997	The use of particulate filters and respirators.	1910.134(d)(3)(iv)(B)
05/05/1997	Requirements for dual purpose mechanical equipment (digger derrick and aerial lift).	1910.67, 1926.453
04/29/1997	OSHA's Nursing Home Health and Safety.
04/29/1997	The Process Safety Management Standard.	1910.119, 1926.64
04/29/1997	Interpretation on the requirements of the hazard communication standard with regard to fiberglass products.	1910.1200
04/28/1997	Sheetrock and joint compound.	1910.1001, 1915 - Table of Contents, 1926.1101
04/28/1997	Classification of asbestos work for employees performing asbestos inspections and obtaining bulk samples.	1926.1101
04/25/1997	How the Exposure to Asbestos standard regulates activities that involve "thin-layered" asbestos-containing paint.	1926.1101
04/25/1997	Emergency response training requirements for hospital staff.	1910.120
04/24/1997	Concern over the quality of care given to patients by dentists.	1975.1
04/23/1997	Request for Compliance Assistance on High Profile Case.	1910.147, 1910.169, 1910.218
04/18/1997	Lack of public awareness of the limitations of eyewashes; review of new product, The Eye Irrigator(TM).	1910.133, 1910.151(c)