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
Nuisance spills are not considered emergencies. 1910.120, 1910.1200
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. 1910.1450
Grading Designations for Southern Pine Scaffold Planks 1910.28(a)(9), 1926.451(a)(10)
Full time contract personnel at plant facility considered "workplace employees" 1910.120(q)(11)
Clarification of Paragraph H.1 of OSHA Notice CPL 2, and On-site Contractor Issues. 1910.10
Hazard communication program on site and standard covering electrical installation, maintenance or repair. 1910.1200(e), 1910.331, 1910.332
Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Control systems used for emergency evacuation are required to be listed by Underwriter's Laboratories. 1910.303, 1910.303(a)
Point-of-operation guards for drill presses and lathes. 1910.212(a)(1)
Control of Hazardous Energy Sources Lockout/Tagout. 1910.147
Requirements for providing MSDS information for carcinogens which are a residue in a mixture 1910.1200(d)(5)
Quality control laboratories are not expected to be covered under the Laboratory Standard 1910.1450
Emergency eye and face wash products. 1910.133
Review Commission Decision - Stone Container Corporation.
Enforcement policy of not citing employees for violations for the safety and health standards.
Material Safety Data Sheets for methanol, windshield washer concentrate, and windshield washer solvent. 1910.1200
Criteria to evaluate employee exposure in order to trigger the training requirements of 1910.120(e) 1910.120(a)(1), 1910.120(c), 1910.120(e), 1910.1200(e)
Ionizing radiation hazards in the workplace 1910.1096, 1926.53
Standards for Rollover Protective Structures. 1928 - Table of Contents
Fall Protection Standards for Pole Climbing. 1926.501