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
Hazardous waste clean-up operations. 1910.120
Safety syringe and disposal fixtures products. 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogens standard's relationship to product, purification/distillation - sterilization/disinfection system. 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogens standard's relationship to the coverage of housekeepers and laundry attendants in a hotel environment. 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogen standard's requirements for offering hepatitis B vaccine. 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogen standard's requirement of social security number on medical records. 1910.1030
Competent person responsibilities at excavations. 1926.651(k)(1)
Presence Sensing Palm Button Devices (PSPBD). 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.7
Effective hearing conservation program elements for the Construction Industry. 1926.52
Specialty Ladders Used in Manholes 1910.27, 1926.1053
Bloodborne pathogens as it relates to Hand-D-Aid Syringe Holder. 1910.1030
How OSHA enforces compliance with workplace safety and health standards. 1910.1
Final rule on process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, formaldehyde 1910.119
Spray painting relating to vehicle maintenance operations. 1910.107, 1910.134, 1910.252, 1910.1000, 1910.1200, 1910.94
Bloodborne pathogen standard's applicability to the use of bleach as a disinfectant. 1910.1030
Request for interpretation of the bloodborne pathogen standard (confidentiality issues). 1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogen standard's applicability to electric utilities. 1910.1030
Supervisor/management 8-hour training and the 8-hour refresher training. 1910.120
Fall protection for workers engaged in steel erection. 1926.105
ROPS requirements for industrial tractors with backhoe attachments. 1926.1000, 1926.602