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
The exemption afforded under the benzene standard for oil and gas drilling, production, and servicing operations. 1910.1028
Carburization process and the applicability of Process Safety Management for Highly Hazardous Chemicals. 1910.119
Challenge Testing as a Substitute for Annual Refresher Training. 1910.119, 1910.269
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b), 1910.1200(b)(6)(vii), 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix), 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(g)
Most cited standards for fiscal year 1995 1910 - Table of Contents, 1926 - Table of Contents
Interpretation of the OSHA construction standards for electrical branch circuits. 1926.405
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, the requirements for MSDS. 1910.1200
Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard to the Manufacture of Explosives Required Under 29 CFR 1910.109(k)(2) 1910.109
Clarification of the access provisions to the OSHA No. 200.
Interpretation of the Process Safety Management Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard. 1910.119
Fall restraint system used in lieu of fall arrest systems. 1926.502
An interpretation on the applicability of Subpart V, Power Transmission to radio, TV, and communication type Towers. 1926.950
Tying off of loft workers, top men and pile monks during sheet piling activities. 1926.501, 1926.603
Clarification on OSHA's policy regarding the requirements for hand washing facilities inside an examination room. 1910.1030
If a fall restraint system could be considered a form of fall protection to be used instead of guardrails, safety lines, or fall arrest systems. 1926.502
Several clarifications concerning construction safety.
Review Commission E-Z Trial Process.
Clarification of "mechanical chipping device" used in floor tile removal. 1926.1101
OSHA Asbestos Standard. 1910.1001
The applicability of Subpart M to equipment covered by ANSI A92, and an interpretation with regard to suspended cages and work platforms on forklift trucks. 1926 Subpart L, 1926 Subpart M, 1926 Subpart N