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
Natural gas distribution and transmission facilities. 1910.119
Storage of flammable liquid in original containers at a job worksite. 1926.152
Natural gas facility process hazard analysis requirements. 1910.119
Training requirements for hospital personnel involved in an emergency response of a hazardous substance. 1910.120
Male infertility and welding engineers. 1910 Subpart H
Employees who work at hazardous waste sites who are not involved in cleanup. 1910.120, 1910.120(a)(1)(iii), 1910.120(e)
Requirements for MTD to identify registered professional engineers. 1926 Subpart P
Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. 1926.1052(a)(1), 1926.451(e)(4)
Fall protection & ANSI standards.
Standards applying to ground-supported tower type hoists. 1926.552
Background of bloodborne pathogens standard. 1910.1030
Request for an amendment to the bloodborne pathogen standard. 1910.1030
Settlement agreement regarding the use of elbow splints. 1910.151, 1910 Subpart I
Certification of aerial lift operators. 1926.453, 1926.21, 1926.32
Applicability of bloodborne pathogens standard to first aid providers at electric cooperatives 1910.1030
Process safety management standard and a "retail establishment" definition. 1910.119
Use of personal protective equipment by electric utility linesmen. 1910.268, 1910.132
Bloodborne pathogen standard's applicability to containers having a DOT "Infectious Substances" label. 1910.1030
Applicability of bloodborne pathogens standard to first aid providers at drilling operations 1910.1030
PSM Standard does not apply to 10,000 pounds of hydrocarbon fuel on site used solely as a fuel for a furnace. 1910.119