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
The impact on the roofing industry from OSHA's fall protection standard. 1926.501(b)(10), 1926.501(b)(11)
Requirements under the Ethylene Oxide Standards 1910.1047(g)
A clarification of the definition of an outer flange on an abrasive wheel. 1910.243
Coverage under the Process Safety Management Standard.
Selection of hand protection for cold environments. 1910.138
Portable electric lighting. 1926.405
The new fall protection provisions of Subpart M and their application to various types of aerial lifts 1910 - Table of Contents, 1926 - Table of Contents
Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and the requirement for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). 1910.1200
Acceptable use of reinforcing steel bent to a horizontal position to eliminate impalement hazards. 1926.701(b)
Safety plans as set forth in Subpart M -- Fall Protection for the Construction Industry. 1926.502(k), 1926 Subpart M App E
OSHA Tuberculosis (TB) regulations. 1910.1001, 1915.1001, 1926.1101
FIRM Change: Minimum Serious Willful Penalty.
Suprotek PC100 protective rebar cover. 1926.701
Request for a list of all OSHA-regulated air contaminants. 1910.1000, 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1, 1910.1000 TABLE Z-2, 1910.1000 TABLE Z-3
Asbestos in the car repair industry. 1910.1001
Sampling for lead welding fumes. 1910.252(c), 1926.353
Adequacy of OSHA regulations addressing fall protection equipment used in construction.
Clarify issues related to the joint venture study and its use as objective data under the Formaldehyde Standard 1910.1048
Coverage under the Process Safety Management Standard. 1910.119
Maintaining a safe working perimeter outside a crane's swing radius. 1926.550