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
Guarding requirements and options for packaging and pelletizing machines. 1910.212(a)(1)
Recordkeeping: foreign workers working in U.S.; U.S. workers working abroad. 1904.2, 1904.15, 1904.14
Employee access to MSDSs required by 1910.1200 vs. 1910.1020. 1910.1020, 1910.1020(e)(1)(iii)(A), 1910.1020(e)(1)(iii)(B), 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(8)
Exposure monitoring requirements under the coke oven emissions standard 1910.1029(e)(1)(iii), 1910.1051(d)(1)(iv)
Protection of workers operating mechanical equipment near overhead power lines 1926.550(a)(15), 1910.269, 1910.331(b), 1910.333, 1926.952
1910.269: Application of personal protective grounds for employee protection 1910.269(m), 1910.269(n)(2), 1910.269(n)(6), 1910.269(n)(7)
Agricultural operations: OSHA enforcement limitations and standards. 1928.57, 1928.110
Lead exposure during handling of lead balls or buckshot. 1910.1025, 1910.1025 App A, 1910.1025 App B
PSM standard applicability to a table glassware manufacturing process. 1910.119(a)(1)
Smaller employer recordkeeping exemption based on number of employees at any one time. 1904.15
Duty of building owners to determine the presence, location, and quantity of ACM and PACM. 1910.1001(j)(2)(i), 1910.1001(j)(1), 1910.1001(b)
Verification procedures for group lockout/tagout. 1910.147(d), 1910.269(d), 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B)
Guarding/hazards of using woodcutting sawblades on a cut-off machine 1910.243(a)(1)(i), 1910.212, 1910.213(r)(4)
Confined space requirements for a testing chamber with/without limited access. 1910.146(c), 1910.146(c)(5)
OSHA policies concerning employees working at home. 1904.14, 1910.1200(g), 1910.147, 1910.146, 1910.132
LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart S, 1910.120(q), 1910.1030, 1910.1200
OSHA has no specific regulations regarding minors 1975.3
Disclosure of OSHA 200 log; SIC 87 exempt from 200 log maintenance. 1904.8, 1904.16, 1904.17, 1904.21
OSHA policy regarding PEL adjustments for extended work shifts. 1910.95, 1910 Subpart Z
OSHA will not currently pursue a national MSDS repository. 1910.1200(g)