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
Guidance Regarding Body Armor 1910.132
Determine Whether the Employer is Required to Record a Work-related Injury Sustained by an Employee which was Treated by a Reduction Procedure Performed on Her Dislocated Ring Finger 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)
Requirements for Guardrail systems 1910.23(e)(3), 1910.23(e)(3)(v), 1910.29(b)(5)
General requirements for all machines 1910.212
Application of BBP standard to the precision machining industry 1910.1030(c)(2)
NIST labeling of Small Packages. 1910.1200
OSHA procedures for safe weight limits when manually lifting
Interim Policy for 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(1) Regarding Scaffold Top Rail Heights in Shipyard Employment 1915.71(j)(1)
Electronic distribution of safety data sheets (SDSs) under the revised Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200(g)(6)(ii)
Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)
Standards and enforcement policy for construction concrete pumping operations using 'concrete boom pump trucks. ' 1926.700(a), 1926.702(e)(1)
Regulations governing sloping and benching systems for excavations. 1926.652(b)(4)
Protecting the Safety and Health of Temporary Workers
Hazard Communication Standard labeling and SDS for laboratory nuclear standards 1910.1200
Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas 1910.110(f)(4)(i), 1910.110(f)(5)
Powered Industrial Truck Servicer Labeling Responsibilities for a Customer's Unsafe Powered Industrial Trucks 1910.178(p)(1), 1910.178(q)(1)
Use of split entry concept under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012) 1910.1200
Request for Interpretation of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for Combustible Dust 1910.1200
Manufacturer's name and address on the label of a chemical product under HCS 2012 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1)(vi)
Hoisting Employees in boatswain’s chair to perform boat-building and boat-repair work 1915 - Table of Contents, 1926 Subpart C, 1926.1431, 1926.1431(b)