Letters of Interpretation

Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 866-487-9243 (866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

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

Date	Title	Standard Number
10/13/1994	OSHA requirements for sharps containers under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.	1910.1030
10/11/1994	The acceptability of a computer based, self-paced training program for use in meeting the refresher training requirements of the standard.	1910.120
10/11/1994	Container labelling requirements.	1910.1200
10/11/1994	Clarification and Interpretations of the PSM Standard.
10/11/1994	Explosives and Blasting Agents.	1910.109
10/06/1994	Labelling, training and material safety data sheet and the Hazard Communication standard.	1910.1027, 1910.1200
10/04/1994	PSM clarification on flammable lubrication in aerosol cans, to prevent foods from sticking to heated cookware	1910.119
09/30/1994	Requirements for emergency eyewashes and showers.	1910.151(c), 1926.50(g)
09/29/1994	Subpart I, and Subpart S requirements as they apply to electrical workers who wear glasses.	1910.133
09/29/1994	HHC as it applies to tank battery.	1910.119
09/29/1994	Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations for ozone.	1910.1000, 1910.1200
09/28/1994	A description of a retailer's responsibilities regarding material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and training under the HCS.	1910.1200
09/27/1994	Clarification on whether flammable liquids used to mix (1) inks used in printing on aluminum foil and paper and (2) paint used in coating aluminum sheets are covered by the PSM standard.	1910.119
09/27/1994	Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals as it may apply to more than 250 pounds thionyl chloride stored on your work site.	1910.119
09/21/1994	The paperwork requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).	1910.1200
09/20/1994	Reclassification of silver inspection services' tank containers.	1910.146
09/20/1994	Standard 1910.212 in regards to its applicability to guard an area above the ram/piston on a vertical hydraulic downstroke/trash compactor.	1910.212, 1910.212(a)(3), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
09/19/1994	Elevator industry employees working in and around pits and equipment.	1910.146, 1910.146(c)(1), 1910.146(c)(7), 1910.146(c)(8), 1910.146(c)(8)(i), 1910.146(c)(8)(ii), 1910.146(c)(8)(iii), 1910.146(c)(8)(iv), 1910.146(c)(8)(v), 1910.146(c)(9), 1910.146(d), 1910.146(d)(11)
09/16/1994	Recording and Reporting Deaths, Injuries and Illnesses Resulting from Acts of Workplace Violence.	1904.2
09/16/1994	The relationship between the OSHA standards on Permit-Required Confined Space and Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills	1910.146, 1910.261

Lapse in Appropriations

Letters of Interpretation

NOTICE:

Filters