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
Fall Protection for employees engaged in erecting or dismantling scaffolds in the Construction Industry
Standard for and risks associated with man-made mineral fiber (MMMF). 1910.1000
Requirements for mesh size on protective canopies for mobile equipment. 1926.604
Response to a request that foundry castings be classified as articles under the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
Clarification and the applicability of regulations pertaining to exterior building work platforms used for window washing. 1910.28, 1910.66
The Uvex Winter Optical Ultra-Spec 2000 eye protective device complies with ANSI Z87.1-1968. 1910.133(b)(2)
Standard applicable to two point suspension scaffolds and power platforms used in window cleaning and to hazards in refrigeration plants. 1910.28, 1910.66, 1910.22, 1910.38, 1910.95, 1910.101, 1910.111, 1910.151, 1910.212, 1910.39
Nationally recognized testing laboratories evaluate safety features of electrical devices. 1910.399
Standard applicable to paper and plastic shredder machines. 1910.212, 1910.219, 1910.144
Action taken by OSHA toward the safe use of video display terminals.
MSDS requirements for complex mixtures with similar hazards. 1910.1200
Guarding requirements for package tying machines. 1910.212, 1910.219
Gloves are required for employees handling chloropicrin; Arsenic containing pesticides and wood preservatives are not within the scope of the inorganic arsenic standard. 1910.132, 1910.1018
Slope should be measured from the five-foot level to grade. 1926.652(c)
OSHA standards do not include surface contamination criteria or quantifications for skin absorption 1910.1000
Audiograms conducted in accordance with the hearing conservation amendment. 1910.95(g)(7)(ii)
Response to request for new PEL for wood dusts 1910.265
Standards applicable during the erection of structual steel. 1926.750, 1926.105, 1926.28
Interpretation of "effective hearing conservation program". 1910.95(g)(10)(i)
Standards applicable to Bell Industries "Carb-Cutter" powered tool. 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.219, 1910.242(a), 1910.243(a), 1910.243(c), 1926.28, 1926.102(a), 1926.300, 1926.302(c), 1926.303, 1926.304