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.

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Clarification of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standard 1910.269
OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping requirements. 1904 - Table of Contents
OSHA standard addressing radio anti-two-block systems on cranes.
Several fall protection issues relating to scissors lifts and aerial lifts. 1926.453
Batch digester safety in the paper industry. 1910.261
OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping requirements. 1904 - Table of Contents
Chlorine storage facility plan and the applicability of the Process Safety Management (PSM) of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard. 1910.119
Recording injuries and illnesses associated with voluntary blood drives on the OSHA Log and Summary of Occupational Injudies and Illnesses. 1904 - Table of Contents
Lockout/Tagout Citations Against the USDA. 1910.147
OSHA PPE standard requirements for hazard assessment and employee training and the OSHA HAZWOPER standard requirements. 1910.120, 1910.132
Permanent variance from the labels and signs requirements of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard. 1910.1030
The application of the OSHA HAZWOPER standard to employers of transfer facilities. 1910.38, 1910.120, 1910.120(a)(2)(iii), 1910.120(p), 1910.120(p)(8), 1910.120(p)(1)
OSHA policy regarding the use of rebar assemblies as ladders. 1926.501
Clarification regarding the applicability of PSM to chemical distributors that merely store, transfer, and/or non mechanically blend flammable liquids. 1910.119
Guidelines for the Enforcement of the Apparel Standard 1910.269
Fall protection requirements where employees are required or permitted to cross over excavations. 1926.651, 1926.651(l), 1926.651(l)(1)
The interpretation of the medical examinations and consultations for employees who are hired for areas that have ethylene oxide 1910.1047
The proper recording of illness cases on the OSHA Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. 1904 - Table of Contents
Letter requesting a compliance determination of control device system used primarily in paint spray booth applications. 1910.107
The classification of medical treatment for OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping purposes. 1904 - Table of Contents