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
Power Presses of the Powder Metal Industry. 1910.212, 1910.217
OSHA requirements for exit sign lettering. 1910.37, 1910.37(b)(7)
Acceptability of heat shrinkable insulating covers in making splices. 1926.403, 1926.405
Response to letter suggesting that the noise standard of 90 dB(A) is set at too high a level, and should be 85 dB(A) or less. 1910.95
Requirements for fingerprint powders containing carbon black under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Requirements under the Hazard Communication standard for visibility of labels on shipments of palletized bags. 1910.1200
Application of the HCS to Borax Powered Hand Soap. 1910.1200
Time period for notifying employees of a standard threshold shift (STS). 1910.95(g)(8)(i)
Evaluation of Bilsom "VISION" welding helmet in meeting OSHA standards. 1910.252(b)(2), 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(I)
Application of the Hazard Communication standard to waste oils. 1910.1200
The noise standard applies to environments with undue atmospheric pressure. 1910.95
Iodine exposure during pre-operative scrubbing. 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1
A fingerprint powder called Sirchie Silk Black contains polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA's). 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1
Interpretation concerning persistent standard threshold shift (STS) . 1910.95(g)(9)(i)
Tufting of undyed and unwashed cotton is not covered in the scope of the revised cotton standard of December 13, 1985 1910.1043
Summary of OSHA testimony before various Congressional committees, May 1986.
Indication of Carcinogenicity on Material Safety Data Sheets 1910.1200
Request for a variance from decompression tables as delineated in 29 CFR 1926.803. 1926.803
Safeguarding of power press brakes and a definition of "Safe Distance". 1910.212
Application of the HCS to non-manufacturing scrap dealers who collect waste metal for resale. 1910.1200