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.

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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Date	Title	Standard Number
05/12/1988	Material Safety Data Sheet Requirements Under the Hazard Communication Standard.	1
05/11/1988	Articles such as styrofoam and white-out exempt from HCS requirements in florist shops.	1
05/11/1988	Employers are responsible for training new employees on the HCS	1
05/06/1988	Retraining employees who have been previously trained by another employer.	1
05/05/1988	Medical examinations for employees exposed to Chromic Acid.	1
05/04/1988	OSHA training requirements for volunteer fire company personnel.	1
05/02/1988	Protective eyewear in clear, dark green, gray and amber tints, is in compliance with 1910.133(b)(2).	1
04/28/1988	Protective eyewear bearing the Gentex Omnibird logo is in compliance with 1910.133(b)(2).	1
04/21/1988	Material safety data sheets for liquid plant food.	1
04/17/1988	Applicability of the HCS to alpha-alumina	1
04/12/1988	Temporary Labor Camp Standard regarding range production of livestock.	1
04/11/1988	The rated capacity of alloy steel chain slings.	1
04/11/1988	Definition of "distributor" and "retail distributor" as used in paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(7).	1
04/10/1988	The employer must provide the 1910.1200 verbal training in a language that is comprehensible.	1
04/06/1988	National Recognized Testing Laboratory Standard.	1
04/05/1988	Approved Courses for Competent Person Training under the Asbestos Construction Standard.	1
03/31/1988	Failure of Wire Rope and Banding Steel Guardrails to provide Protection.	1
03/29/1988	Response to Freedom of Information Act request for standards and guidelines related to working around aircraft.	2
03/22/1988	Application of PEL for benzene to extended workshifts	1
03/16/1988	Christmas Treeing, Steel Erection.	2