Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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

Date	Title	Standard Number
10/24/1988	Hazard determination and MSDS requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).	2
10/20/1988	Grain Handling Standard, analytical requirements for percentage of fugitive dust and % combustible dust.	1
10/20/1988	The OSHA analytical reference method for asbestos requires 10% blanks with a minimum of 2 blanks for any set.	2
10/13/1988	Gentex Shade 2.0 protective eyewear is in compliance with 1910.133(b)(2).	1
10/05/1988	Recordkeeping requirements under the OSH Act of 1970 for employees of temporary help services.	1
10/05/1988	Alarm devices not effective protection for hoisted personnel.	1
10/03/1988	Annual inspections by Flynn Burner Corporation personnel.	1
09/20/1988	Crystalline silica considered a carcinogen under the HCS.	1
09/17/1988	Recordkeeping requirements under the OSH Act of 1970 for employees supplied by a temporary help service.	1
08/31/1988	STD 3-10.3 is a guideline, for 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(2).	1
08/19/1988	Interpretation concerning 1910.120 requirements for air monitoring, a site safety and health plan, training, and medical surveillance	8
08/17/1988	Exemption of hazardous waste samples sent to a laboratory for analysis from the Hazard Communication Standard.	1
08/16/1988	OSHA's final standard for occupational exposure to benzene.	1
08/02/1988	Installation of shut-off type nozzles on standpipe hose.	1
07/19/1988	Load Testing of Synthetic Web and Other Slings	1
07/18/1988	Enforcement of the Hazard Communication Standard	1
07/11/1988	Clarification on the use of respirators while unloading ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization chambers.	1
07/01/1988	Apex 1000 emulsion is regulated as an ammonium nitrate mixture which is not a blasting agent.	1
06/30/1988	Copies of MSDSs and the written hazard communication program must be provided to an employee representative.	1
06/29/1988	Qualifications for instructors under the training requirements of OSHA's Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response interim final rule.	1