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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Date Title Standard Number
Certification of aerial lift operators. 1926.453, 1926.21, 1926.32
Settlement agreement regarding the use of elbow splints. 1910.151, 1910 Subpart I
Process safety management standard and a "retail establishment" definition. 1910.119
Use of personal protective equipment by electric utility linesmen. 1910.268, 1910.132
Servicing single piece and multi-piece wheels and logging business;logging employment regulated under agriculture standard. 1910.177, 1928 - Table of Contents
PSM Standard does not apply to 10,000 pounds of hydrocarbon fuel on site used solely as a fuel for a furnace. 1910.119
Applicability of bloodborne pathogens standard to first aid providers at drilling operations 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogen standard's applicability to containers having a DOT "Infectious Substances" label. 1910.1030
"De minimis violation" status is accorded to power lasers used in the construction industry. 1926.54
Various questions on Hazwoper. 1910.120
OSHA's determination of Lysol Spray's acceptability to the bloodborne pathogen standard. 1910.1030
Employee's right to access the information in injury and illness records. 1904 - Table of Contents
Recordkeeping requirements on hearing loss, burns, and falls. 1904 - Table of Contents
Background of bloodborne pathogens standard. 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogens standard's costs and necessity. 1910.1030
Work relationship questions. 1904 - Table of Contents
Bungee jumping
Propane delivery, total aggregate quantity less than 10,000 pounds. 1910.119
Metal ladder rungs are required to be skid-resistant. 1926.1053(a)(6)(i)
Training requirements of PSM. 1910.119