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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Machine safeguarding requirements apply to refuse industry balers, compactors, and garbage trucks. 1910.212
General overview of safe handling of arsenic containing compounds. 1910.1000
Criteria for final medical determinations under medical removal protection benefits of the lead standard. 1910.1025
Method for exposure compliance determination for substances regulated under Subpart Z. 1910 Subpart Z
Clarification of employment options for employees that fall under the medical removal protection benefits of the lead standard. 1910.1025
Procurement procedures for purchase of personal protective equipment by Federal agencies. 1960.8
Scope of standard for servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels. 1910.177(a)(2)
No specific standards regulate supermarket laser scanning equipment 1910.97
Standards applicable to buddy breathing devices for fire brigades. 1910.156, 1910.16
Definitions of "substantial noncombustible material" and "facilitate cleaning and washing". 1910.107
A manually propelled elevating work platform is not regulated by a specific standard, and is therefore regulated by the general duty clause. 1910.29
Clarification on OSHA standards for blasting and use of explosives. 1926.905(h), 1926.905(k)
Information on 3,3'-diaminobenzidine
Requirements which must be met before a crane can avoid the requirements for a load indicating device. 1917.46(a)(1), 1918.74(a)(9)(viii)(D)
Facial hair and respirator wearing. 1910.134
Medical Screening requirements for employees previously exposed to beta-Naphthylamine. 1910.1009
Respiratory protection for abrasive blasting with silica. 1910.94(a)(5)(ii)(b)
Interpretation on standards for use of cranes during high wind conditions. 1910.37, 1910.37(b)(4), 1910.27, 1917.45, 1917.45(g)(3)
Applicability of 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) to Portable Pneumatic Powered Fastener Tools 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.212(a)(3)(iv)(h), 1910.243(a)(2)(ii), 1910.243(b), 1926.302(b)(3)
Information on forklift trucks for handling LOX. 1910.178(c)(2)(iii), 1910.178(c)(2)(iv)