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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Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Medical exams and blood testing for zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) under OSHA's Lead Standards. 1910.1025, 1910.1025(j)(1)(i)
Consuming food and/or beverages in the same work area where known hazardous chemicals are used. 1910.141, 1910.141(a)(2), 1910.141(g)(2)
Compliance with 1926.1101 when drilling through asbestos-containing floor tile/mastic. 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g), 1926.1101(g)(5), 1926.1101(g)(9)
Whether manual joint manipulation is considered first aid or medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
Clarification on equivalent test nebulizer for qualitative fit tests. 1910.134
Confidentiality of employee post-exposure evaluations as it pertains to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; use of portable fans in phlebotomy collection rooms. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(f)(3), 1910.303, 1910.303(b)(2)
OSHA's position on mandatory flu shots for employees.
Painting or placement of adhesive stickers on protective helmet shell. 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.135
The use of clevis pins and cotterpins to attach slings and hooks; use of latches on sling hooks. 1910.184(e)(2)(i), 1910.184(e)(2)(ii), 1910.184(f)(6)
Protective system requirements for excavations that will not be entered by employees. 1926.652, 1926.652(a)(1), 1926.652(b), 1926.652(c)
Whether compliance with an updated ANSI standard on gate strength for carabiners and snaphooks is required. 1926.502, 1926.502(d)
Hazards associated with aluminum grinding. 1915.4(r), 1915.504(b)
Clarification of preexisting injury/illness and recordkeeping 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
Clarification on prescription medications and recordkeeping requirements 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Using the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to Comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)
Guarding of Access Openings to Fixed Ladders. 1910.23, 1910.23(a)(2), 1910.27
OSHA's position on complying with an updated national consensus standard. 1910.261
Use of physical versus mailing address of the responsible party listed on the MSDS. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(2)(xii)
Requirements for rated load tests for new or altered cranes. 1910.179, 1910.179(b), 1910.179(k)
Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. 1926.452, 1926.452(o)(3), 1926.552, 1926.552(c)