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
Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices in Process Safety Management Enforcement 1910.119
RAGAGEP in Process Safety Management Enforcement 1910.119
Definition of a "physician" under 29 CFR 1910.95 and what credentials would qualify a person to perform the duties that are specifically ascribed to physicians by the standard 1910.95(g)(3), 1910.95(g)(9)
Facial hair and respirator fit 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A), 1910.134(g)(1)
Recording criteria for cases involving occupational hearing loss when employees use hearing protection 1904.5, 1904.10
Regarding setting time restrictions by crane operator testing organizations for crane-certification test. 1926.1427(b), 1926.1418, 1926.1417
Evaluation of chemical exposures in shipyard operations by competent persons 1915.3(c), 1915.4(o), 1915.7
Recordkeeping Regulation contained in 29 CFR Part 1904 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(F)
Clarification of work practice controls when using needless connectors 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
Determining if the injury or illness would apply to the work-related exception 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5(b)(2)(vi)
Expiration date of annual crane inspections and annual inspection requirements. 1926.1412(f)(1)
Safety data sheets for custom blend fertilizers 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(5), 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(4)
Respirator fit test requirements 1910.134(f), 1910.134(f)(2), 1910.134(k)
Extended enforcement dates for minimum approach distances to electrical power lines 1910.269(l)(3)(i), 1910.269(l)(3)(ii), 1926.960(c)(1)(i), 1926.960(c)(1)(ii)
IIAR Eye Wash and Shower LOI (Smith Letter) 1910.151(c)
HCS Applicability of lithium battery or a lithium battery-powered devices 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(b)(6), 1910.1200(c)
Hazard Communication classifications 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(d)(1), 1910.1200(d)(2), 1910.1200 App B
Labeling requirements for absorbent clay products in various packaging configurations 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f)(1)(i), 1910.1200(f)(1)(ii), 1910.1200(f)(1)(iii), 1910.1200(f)(1)(iv), 1910.1200(f)(1)(v), 1910.1200(f)(1)(vi)
Determining whether daily stretches are considered medical treatment or fist-aid. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
Requirements for labeling of products shipped for export only to non-U.S. destinations, under the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012) 1910.1200(f)(1)