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
DOT Approved Gas Cans. 1926.152
Clarification of Asbestos standard. 1926.1101
Interpretation of the electic power generation, transmission and distribution (electric power generation) standard. 1910.269
Clarification regarding the use of eyewash stations. 1910.151, 1910.1200
Corrections to general industry standards incorporated into the construction standards. 1926.416, 1926.417, 1926.550
Railroad workers and their exposure to crystalline silica. 1910.1000
Chest X-ray and sputum cytology requirements. 1910.1018, 1910.1029
Distinction between premises wiring installations and electric transmission or distribution installations. 1910.269, 1910 Subpart S
Process Safety Management of highly hazardous chemicals standard. 1910.106, 1910.119
Interpretative guidance and equipment approved for hazardous locations relative to the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard. 1910.146
Interpretations concerning several OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping issues. 1904 - Table of Contents
OSHA's requirement for certification for building roof anchor points & the "Certificate of Regulation Compliance Building" form. 1910.28, 1910.66
Electrical Workers 1910.269
Medical surveillance requirement in the Vinyl Chloride Standard 1910.1017. 1910.1017
Clarification of employers' use of floor fans. 1910.212
Use of insulated hand tools 1910.335(a)(2)(i)
Harness used for fall protection is not considered "apparel". 1910.269, 1926.959
The OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping requirements. 1904 - Table of Contents
Enforcement of the fall protection standard and fall protection options. 1926.501, 1926.502
An interpretation regarding the proper recording of Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) cases on the OSHA Log 200. 1904 - Table of Contents