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.

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Date Title Standard Number
Sampling Procedures for Employees Using Air-Supplied Respirators 1910.134
Clarification concerning the relationship of several paragraphs within the 1910.120 Standard. 1910.120
Application of the Hazard Communication Standard to prescription drug products. 1910.1200
Application of CPL 2-2.44A to products claiming effectiveness against AIDS virus.
Jurisdiction and health risks for airport baggage x-ray scanning units and walk-through metal detectors. 1975.1
Seat belts for passengers in the rear of pickup trucks. 1926.601
Regulating employee exposure to wood dust 1910.1000
Interpretation of the HCS as it relates to laboratories and requirements with respect MSDSs. 1910.1200
Distribution of Penalties Collected on Violation-by-Violation Cases.
24 hour training required for employers covered by 1910.120(a)(1) (i), (ii), and (iv). 1910.120(l)(3)
Criteria for inclusion of workers in a medical surveillance program and training under 1910.120. 1910.120(f), 1910.120(l)(3)
Personnel platform attached directly to a boom. 1926.451, 1926.556
Oven inspections required by 1910.263(l)(9)(ii) and definitions of "Protecting Devices" and "Safety Devices". 1910.263(l)(9)(ii), 1910.263(l)(9)(i)
Rollover protective structures. 1926.1000
Hansen Quick Disconnect Couplings -- Evaluation for Compliance 1915.55(f)(5), 1917.152(d)(3)(iv)
Safety railings. 1926.750
29 CFR 1910.1025 - Respiratory Protection 1910.1025
The adoption of an OSHA standard requiring the use of a flagman to direct in-plant locomotive movement.
A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter may not be used in lieu of a tester or meter that can test for continuity of the equipment grounding conductor. 1926.404
The "Sky Genie" device. 1926.451