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
Retrieval Lines Tied to Rescuers Entering a Confined Space 1910.146
Requirement to list carcinogens on labels under GHS. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(11), 1910.1200(g)(5)
Numerous questions on the removal of asbestos containing gaskets 1926.1101
Use of IOM sampler for inhalable dust. 1910.1000
Clarification on the intermingling of flammable and combustible liquids in a storage cabinet. 1910.106, 1910.106(d)(3)(i)
Fit testing for CBRN respirators. 1910.134, 1910.134(f)(7)
Clarification of Hazcom provision intended to preempt conflicting state regulatory actions, but not tort claims. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(a)(2)
Clarification of utility owner/operator obligation to provide voltage information. 1926.1407, 1926.1407(e), 1926.1408
Certified flame-resistant clothing (FRC) used by industrial personnel. 1910.132
Clarification of the Chromium (VI) Standard - Change Rooms and Hygiene Practices. 1910.141, 1910.141(e), 1910.1026, 1910.1026(h)(1), 1910.1026(i)(1)
Use of local valves as a means of equipment isolation for energy control. 1910.147
Rescue and retrieval requirements for enclosed spaces covered under 1910.269. 1910.269
OSHA's Formaldehyde PEL compared to NIOSH's Formaldehyde REL 1910.1048(c)
Fall protection on aerial lifts during construction activities. 1926.453, 1926.453(b)(2)(v)
Clarification of Multiple Business Establishments and Covered Employees 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.30, 1904.31
OSHA's decision not to provide a religious exemption from the respirator standard. 1910.132(b), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.134, 1910.134(b), 1910.134(d)(1)
Numerous questions on lockout/tagout under 1910.147 and 1910.269 1910.269, 1910.147
OSHA's position on using a crawler crane that has been derated by the crane manufacturer. 1926.1417, 1926.1417(a), 1926.1417(c)(1), 1926.1401, 1926.1433, 1926.1433(d)(1)
Whether an employer's medical monitoring form meets the requirements under HAZWOPER. 1910.120, 1910.120(f)(7)
Applicability of OSHA's Cranes and Derricks standard to hoists attached to mast climbing platforms. 1926.1400, 1926.1400(a)