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
Clarification of 1904.31 regarding who is responsible for recording injuries and illnesses when supervision is shared by a prime contractor and subcontractors. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.31
Use of ductless welding booths to filter hexavalent chromium-contaminated air. 1910.1026, 1910.1026(f)(1)(i)
Bloodborne Pathogens Training and Hepatitis B Vaccination 1910.1030(f)(2), 1910.1030(g)(2)
Delay of Enforcement of the Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction under 29 CFR 1926.1153 1926.1153
Training requirements for emergency response medical service 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(6)(i)
Safety Data Sheets for grinding wheels and abrasives 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(d)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(4)
Hazard Communication Standard's (HCS 2012) June 1, 2016 effective date, 1910.1200(j) 1910.1200(f)(9), 1910.1200(f)(11), 1910.1200(j)
Applicability of OSHA standards to formaldehyde exposures in laboratories 1910.106, 1910.106(a)(31), 1910.106(d)(4), 1910.1048, 1910.1048(d), 1910.1048(e), 1910.1048(h)(1), 1910.1048(j)(4), 1910.1048 App A, 1910.1200(b)(3), 1910.1450, 1910.1450(a)(2), 1910.1450(d), 1910.1450(g)(1)(ii)
Labeling small containers 1910.1200(f)(1)
Exemption of Variable Boom Reach Equipment "Reach Stackers" 1917.50, 1917.50(j)(1), 1910.178(l), 1917.43, 1917.1(a)(1)(xiv)
OSHA Interpretation on Connected System 29 CF 1910.119(b) 1910.119(b)
OSHA requirements for respirator fit testing with and without facepiece accessories 1910.134(f)(2), 1910.134(d)(1)(ii)
Hazard Communication Standard – Classifying 'Articles' 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(g)
Successor Employer 1904.34, 1910.95(g)(5), 1910.95(g)(9), 1910.95(m)(3), 1910.95(m)(4), 1910.95(m)(5), 1910.1020, 1910.1029(m)(4)
Use of reusable microblading tools in the cosmetic tattoo industry 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A), 1910.1030(g)(2)
Enforcement of minimum approach distance requirements in 29 CFR 1910.269 and 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V 1910.269, 1910.269(a)(3), 1910.269(l)(3), 1926.960, 1926.960(c)(1)
Determining if a work-related injury or illness resulted in restricted work activity/Job Transfer 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(4)
Interim Enforcement Procedures for New Recordkeeping Requirements Under 29 CFR 1904.35 1904.35, 1904.41
OSHA requirements for smoke plume generated from laser and electrosurgical instruments in dental offices and hospital operating rooms 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.1000
Clarifications to CPL 02-02-079, Inspection Procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012) 1910.1200