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
Interpretation of OSHA Instruction STD 3-3.1. 1926.105(a)
The standard does not regulate the manufacture of equipment such as a safety block with a retractable steel wire. 1926.104
Requirements for alternate warning methods, delays between filling and labeling a chemical container, and label identification of mixtures under HCS. 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(f)(4), 1910.1200(f)(5), 1910.1200(g)
Hazards of exposure to waste anesthetic gases, particularly fluothane
Clarification of Citing for Alleged Violations of Employees Not Using Appropriate Eye or Face Protection in the Construction Industry. 1926.28, 1926.102
Ball-type handrail system. 1926.500
Relationship between the hazard communication standard and the Department of Defense's requirement for safeguarding classified information. 1910.1200
Stored combustible liquids and heating to their flashpoints 1910.106
Hazard of falling in the steel erection industry. 1926.105
Regulations for machine shop and press room safety. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.94, 1910.217, 1910.217(c)(1)
Point of instability of a crane. 1926.550
Interpretation on 1926.955 1926.955
Dietary zinc compounds are not a violation of the lead standard. 1910.1025(j)(4)
Quest Bio Acoustic Simulator may be used for daily audiometer checks. 1910.95(h)(5)(i)
Reginned cotton is raw cotton and the 200 ug/m3 PEL applies. 1910.1043(c)(1)
Yellow Duraguard eye protectors comply with ANSI Z87.1-1968 but should not be used for welding or similar activities. 1910.133(b)(2)
Rose tint lenses are allowed for safety glasses if they comply with ANSI Z87.1-1968. 1910.133(b)(2)
MSDS requirements for products that are composed of a mixture of non-interacting chemicals. 1910.1200
Interpretation on extension cords for portable hand tools.
Riding of vertical reciprocating conveyors is prohibited. 1910.212(a)(1)