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
Interpretations of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. 1910.120
Machine guarding for drilling operations. 1910 Subpart O, 1910.212(a)(1)
HCS on Hazard warnings required on product labels 1910.1200(f)
Recommendations to Increase Availability of SAVES to the Field 1910.1200, 1910.110, 1926.702
Secretary's Order 1-90 on delegation of authority and responsibilities on whistleblower statutes
Information relative to handrails (guardrails) provided by OSHA offices at Denver and San Francisco. 1910.35
The proper handling of compressed gas cylinders particularly with reference to the moving of cylinders from place to place. 1910.101
First Aid Courses 1910.151, 1926.50(c)
Clarification explaining that chest X-rays be retained in their original form. 1910.1020(c)(6)(i)(B), 1910.1020(d)(2)
Clarification of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) as it applies to independent contractors operating in beauty salons. 1910.1200
Bloodborne diseases pathogens
Specification for Lower Blade Guards for Radial Arm Saws 1910.213(h)(1)
Mechanical power-transmission apparatus: compliance with current consensus standards. 1910.219
An engine overhaul work station being developed. 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
Handling of rejections in IMIS edit checks
Observation of monitoring requirement at 1910.95(f) in the occupational noise exposure standard 1910.95(f)
Requirements relating to spirometry contained in the cotton dust standard at 1910.1043 Appendix D. 1910.1043
The listing requirements in the U.S. for Industrial Packaging equipment. 1910.302, 1910.303(b)(2), 1910.308, 1910.399
Dole v. Steelworkers, Supreme Court decision 1910.1200
Background and experience to be qualified to conduct annual inspections of the bakery ovens required under OSHA standards. 1910.263(l)(9)(ii)