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

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Date Title Standard Number
Infeasibility of 6 foot free fall limit. 1926.502
Requirement to obtain a healthcare professional's written opinion in the "pre-exposure vaccination setting." 1910.1030
A possible conflict between exposure record retention. 1910.146, 1910.1020
Citations which were issued to Heinz, U.S.A. 1910.119, 1910.146
Minimum number of dive team members required to support scuba diving. 1910.410, 1910.422, 1910.424
Response regarding the application of the OSHA Process Safety Management Standard to utility LPG distribution facilities. 1910.119
Railroad tankcars off-loading points at an industrial facility. 1910.27, 1975.1
Compressed gas cylinders 1910.103
Application and enforcement of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in a barber shop. 1910.1030
Holding brake requirements on overhead cranes. 1910.179
Definition of a Hazardous Substance. 1910.120
Permit-Required Confined Spaces and Lockout/Tagout. 1910.146, 1910.147
The NACOSH report regarding hazard communication. 1910.1200
Discrepancy between the Joint Commission and OSHA posting requirements for isolation rooms. 1910.145
Response: Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (BBP) and Alaska CASPA - Code Interpretation. 1910.1030
Maintenance activities performed in oil and gas production operations. 1910.147
The proper recording of cases involving restricted work activity. 1904 - Table of Contents
The OSHA injury and illness recording requirements pertaining to cases of Barotitis Media. 1904 - Table of Contents
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals and process hazard analyses. 1910.111, 1910.119, 1928.21
Enforcement of the Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO). 1910.147