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
03/17/1986	Application of the Hazard Communication Standard to lift trucks.	1
03/12/1986	Hazard evaluation requirements under the Hazard Communication standard.	1
03/11/1986	Batam crawler C-350 and C-35 machines used only as a tamper.	1
03/11/1986	Monitoring inspections for long-term abatements.	0
03/11/1986	MSDS and labeling requirements for copper or aluminum wire or metal products.	1
03/10/1986	Definitions of "massive release", "equipment failure", and "emergency" under the vinyl chloride standard.	1
03/07/1986	Classifying self-elevating lift boats and enforcement responsibility.	1
03/04/1986	Classification of foundry products such as castings in relation to the HCS.	1
03/03/1986	Alarm requirements for breathing air compressors;Respirators for paint materials containing TDI or MDI;Full facepiece respirators are required when eye irritation is experienced.	2
02/21/1986	Ground Fault Protection as related to extension cords between the permanent wiring and the powered tool.	1
02/21/1986	Clarification of Competent and Qualified Person, as it Relates to Subpart P.	3
02/20/1986	Definition of closed system and release reporting requirements for methyl chloromethyl ether.	2
02/19/1986	Participation of Federal employee representatives in OSHA proceedings at which there are discussions of hazard abatement.	1
02/19/1986	Double Insulated vs. Electrically Grounded Sewing Machines for Schooling Use.	1
02/14/1986	MSDS should be distributed for welding wire containing hazardous chemicals.	1
02/13/1986	Applicability of 1910.106 to Chemical Plants.	1
02/13/1986	Required floor guarding for pouring concrete on metal decking.	2
02/12/1986	Response to request for variance from 1910.178(n)(4).	1
02/11/1986	Use of silica as an abrasive blaster.	1
02/10/1986	Medical protection removal requirements of the lead standard.	1