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
Procedures and precautions for employees using descent control equipment.
Host employers must assure forklift operators of visiting employers are trained. 1910.178(l)(1)
Hazard communication requirements for diatomaceous earth. 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(g)
Appropriate air sampling methods for copper and zinc oxide. 1910.1000
Maintenance and preservation of employee exposure records 1910.1020(c)(5), 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii)
Atmospheric Testing required for confined space entry. 1910.146(d)(5)(ii), 1910.146(d)(5)(iii)
Bonding and grounding of plastic containers during transfer of Class I flammable liquids. 1910.106(e)(6)(ii), 1910.106(d)(2)(iii)
A confined space atmosphere above a PEL is not always a "hazardous atmosphere". 1910.146(b)
Applicability of Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to HCV. 1910.1030
Operators of overhead and gantry cranes must not carry loads over people. 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
OSHA regulations for protection from microbes. 1910.1030(e), 1910.139
Occupational noise exposure standard affords protection to landscape service industry employees 1910.95
Complying with the "two-in, two-out" policy for interior structural firefighting. 1910.134(g)(4)
Emergency response training necessary for hospital physicians/nurses that may treat contaminated patients. 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(8)
Reinforcing steel (rebar) assemblies: questions regarding fall protection and training. 1926.501(b)(5), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(e)(2), 1926.503, 1926.701(b)
OSHA recordkeeping regulations are not subject to preemption under Section 4(b)(1) of the OSH Act. 1904 - Table of Contents
Clarification of apparent discrepancy in height requirements for stair and hand railings. 1910.23(e)(2), 1926.1052
Medical evaluation not required for the use of escape only respirators. 1910.134(e)
OSHA coverage does not extend to unpaid students. 1975.3
OSHA does not have jurisdiction over aircraft crews. 1975.1