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
Clarification of Instructions for Completing "Number of Employees Covered by Inspection".
Procedures for Tracking Criminal Case Referrals
State of Iowa CASPA.
Orthodontics wires considered as "sharps" under CPL 2-2.69 1910.141
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Bay Nets Safety System. 1910.23(a)(5)
Solid State Electronic AC Motor Brakes. 1910.212
Automatically Generated Fiscal Reports
Guarding of machinery in bowling centers. 1910.147, 1910.212
Medical surveillance provisions in the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard. 1910.120(f)(2)
The Field Sanitation Standard, as it relates to the number of workers excluded from coverage. 1928 - Table of Contents
Inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers. 1910.157(e)(1), 1910.157(e)(3)
The rung spacing between horizontal members of the end frames of metal scaffolds used as ladders rungs for access or egress. 1910.28, 1910.29
Head clearance requirements for fixed ladders used on FAA radio communication towers. 1910.27(c)(1), 1910.268(a)(3), 1910.268(h)
Formaldehyde standard and private medical school personnel 1910.1048
Regarding labeling requirements order the OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
OSHA enforcement of the Field Sanitation Standard and the Hazard Communication Standard with respect to pesticides. 1928 - Table of Contents
Availability of MSDSs on Construction Sites 1926.59 , 1910.1200(e)(2), 1910.1200(g)(8)
Application of the HCS MSDS requirements to distributors selling hazardous chemicals to consumers and employers. 1910.1200
The OSHA standard covering personnel protective equipment, as it pertains to who should pay for an employee's prescription lens safety glasses. 1910.132, 1910.133