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

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Date Title Standard Number
Use of Self-luminous and electroluminescent exit signs. 1910.37(q)(6), 1910.37(q)(7)
Request for OSHA's approval of a specific Commercial Scuba Diver Training and Certification program denied 1910 - Table of Contents
Back-welding of threaded connections in anhydrous ammonia service. 1910.111, 1910.111(b)(7)(iv)
Peroxides and chlorates in blasting agents, slurries and emulsions 1910.109(h)
HCP requirements for employers at multi-employer worksites 1910.1200(e), 1910.1200(h)
Written hazard communication program required in any area where a possible hazard exists 1910.120
Material Safety Data Sheet distribution to retail hardware store customers. 1910.1200
Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Group Lockout/Tagout). 1910.147(f)(3), 1910.333(b)(2)
The intervals between physical examinations for employees performing interior structural firefighting. 1910.134, 1910.156
The use of fork trucks in plants. 1910.178(m)(5)(iii)
Rehabilitation of a sewer tunnel constructed in the years between 1926 and 1932 1926.800
Application of 1910.120 to emergency Responders at a nuclear power plants 1910.120
Decontamination of equipment used on hazardous waste sites. 1910.120(k)
Use of non-approved respirators and improper use of approved respirators 1910.134(d)(1)(ii)
Employee emergency alarm systems. 1910.165, 1910.165(b)(2), 1910.165(b)(3), 1910.165(b)(4), 1910.165(c)(1), 1910.165(d)(3), 1910.164(d)(4), 1910.38, 1919.120(l), 1910.120(q), 1910.7
Application of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response to general industry. 1910.38, 1910.120
Hazards created by unguarded vertical food mixers. 1910.212
Cost of HIB and HIV vaccine for nursing home employees to be borne by the employer
Sampling for benzidine congener dyes 1910.1010
Chemical manipulation, production, multiple uses of chemicals in QC Labs 1910.1200, 1910.1450