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
(OSHA) revised asbestos standard. 1910.1001
Packing materials which were used for packaging explosives must be burned. 1910.109, 1926.900
Response to IDLH or Potential IDLH atmospheres. 1910.134(g), 1910.120, 1910.156
An error in the 1910.1000 Z-Tables. 1910.1000
Requirements for spill containment mats under retail displays of lawn and garden chemicals within stores. 1910.120, 1910.1200
Face protection for phlebotomists, exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. 1910.1030
OSHA regulation requiring foot protection for employees exposed to falling object hazards. 1926.95
The use of the load engaging means in an elevated position for use as a work table for the prevention and control of ergonomic hazards. 1910.178
Whether or not fall protection is to be used when reinforcing steel is being installed and application of OSHA's job-made ladder requirements to rebar cages. 1926.501(b)(5), 1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(22), 1926.603(a)(8)
OSHA's current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in general industry. 1910.1000
Safety Procedures for Work Performed in House Foundation Excavations.
The initial and interval testing of personal protective equipment (rubber insulating gloves and blankets). 1910.137, 1910.268
Section that requires the employer to insure that apparel worn by employees not increase the injury should they be exposed to flame. 1910.269
Rules requiring safety check valves on compressed air equipment. 1910.169(b)(3)
OSHA tuberculosis (TB) enforcement. 1910.134
OSHA guidance on Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. 1910.120
Whether or not organic rock, such as "Miami oolite rock" should be considered by OSHA as "stable rock". 1926.652
Newly revised asbestos standard as it pertains to roofing.
Health effects of prolonged exposure to paint related materials. 1910.1200
Employee notification as covered under 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(8)(i). 1926.62