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
Guidance on whether "patch test kits" are exempt from the labeling requirements of HCS. 1910.1200
Construction activities and operations and the bloodborne pathogens standard. 1910.1030
EPA CERCLA regulations and site monitoring requirements of 1910.120. 1910.120
Lockout/tagout as applies to contractor employers with employees at electric power generation, transmission and distribution work sites. 1910.147
Requirements of hazard communication standard for listing chemicals. 1910.1200(e)(1)(i)
Updated material safety data sheets. 1910.1200
OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogens standard relating to various types or classes of individuals. 1910.1030
PSM threshold quantity; EPA regulated and permitted RCRA Hazardous waste treatment. 1910.119
Two-hand control device used to operate a mechanical power press in continuous mode. 1910.217
OSHA does not have jurisdiction over state employees or inmates. 1975.5
Alarm systems for employee evacuation and/or response. 1910.38, 1910.165, 1910.120, 1910.1200
Safety latches on hooks. 1917.45, 1918.81
Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens relating to nurse assistant students. 1910.1030
Powered platforms for building maintenance to "a permanently installed suspended scaffold." 1910.66
Bloodborne pathogens impact on non-health care industries 1910.1030
Biohazard labeling. 1910.1030
Breast milk does not constitute occupational exposure as defined by standard. 1910.1030
OSHA policy regarding violent employee behavior.
Plastic containers for Class IB flammable liquids. 1910.106