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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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
OSHA's Noise Standard as it applies to Supra Aural Phones for audiometric testing 1910.95(h)
Foreign-Flag Vessels. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(3)
Silica in Construction, Integrated Water Delivery System, Exposure Assessment, Medical Surveillance, Respiratory Protection 1926.1153(c)(1), 1926.1153(d)(2)(vi), 1926.1153(h)(1)(i)
Testing Intervals for Rubber Insulating Gloves 1910.137(c)(2)(viii)
RDS Anchorage Testing Certification 1910.27
Production facilities that recover natural gas liquids may have enforceable PSM-covered processes 1910.119, 1910.119(a), 1910.119(b)
Updated Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Beryllium Standards 1910.1024, 1926.1124, 1915.1024
HCS Labeling requirements regarding intra-plant and intercompany shipping 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(6), 1910.1200(f)(7)
Occupational Exposure to Beryllium Standard – Dissolvable Laundry Bags for Personal Protective Clothing 1910.1024(h)(2)(v), 1910.1024(m)(3), 1910.1200, 1910.1024
Clarification on the use of cold therapy. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)
Enforcement Policy - Crane Operator Certification Requirements 1926 Subpart CC, 1926.1427
Use of Grit- and Water Based Sweeping Compound for Silica 1910.1053(h)(1), 1910.1053(f)(1)
Enforcement Policy for Respiratory Hazards Not Covered by OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits 1910.1200
Restriction on using performance option/objective data for repeat monitoring in OSHA’s General Industry Lead and Cadmium standards 1910.1025, 1910.1026, 1910.1027, 1910.1053
Clarification of OSHA's Position on Workplace Safety Incentive Programs and Post-Incident Drug Testing Under 29 C.F.R. §1904.35(b)(1)(iv) 1904.35(b)(1)(iv)
[De Minimis] Violation Notices: Blood Laboratory Proficiency Testing and Approval 1910.1025, 1910.1025(j)(2)(iii), 1926.62, 1926.62(j)(2)(iii)
Hazard Communication Standard – SDS responsible party and hazards not otherwise classified 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(6), 1910.1200(g)(2)(ii), 1910.1200 App C, 1910.1200 App D
The use of braces with rigid stays. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(F)
Prescription medications, such as an Epi-Pen considered medical treatment beyond first-aid. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
A powered industrial truck is not unattended if still in view by the nearby operator 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)