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 "laboratory" and "process" relative to process safety management standard. 1910.119
Policy for warning tags on scaffolds. 1926.200
PSM standard and fertilizer storage and mixing facilities. 1910.119
Process Safety Management standard. 1910.119
Display of a nonionizing radiation warning sign meets standard 1910.97
Acceptable job-made extension cords. 1910.303(b)(1)(i), 1910.303(e), 1910.304(a)(2), 1910.305(a)(2), 1910.305(g)(2)(iii), 1926.403(b)(1)(i), 1926.404(a)(2), 1926.405(g)(2), 1926.405(g)(2)(iv), 1926.405(g)(2)(v), 1910 Subpart S, 1926 Subpart K
Application of Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals to the manufacture of explosives and pyrotechnics. 1910.119(a), 1975.1
Soil testing for excavations and confined spaces. 1926.21, 1910.146, 1926.651(g)
Quality of hearing conservation programs & the Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) recording requirement. 1904 - Table of Contents
Slings used in conjunction with other material handling equipment for the movement of materials by hoisting in the workplace. 1910.184
Bloodborne pathogens standard's relationship to group home living programs for retarded adults. 1910.1030
In 1973 and 1988, rules were developed by ANSI to address hydraulic boom cranes. 1926.550
Capacitive sensor palm buttons. 1910.217
Applicability of compressed gas cylinder standard to workplaces subject to the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard 1910.120, 1910.101
Storage of flammable liquids and the PSM. 1910.119
Nursing personnel exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 1910.1030
Janitorial employees exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 1910.1030
Exposure of temporary nursing personnel to bloodborne pathogens. 1910.1030
Tie-in guides for platform stabilization. 1910.66(e)(2)(iv), 1910.66(e)(2)(iii), 1910.66(c)
Feminine hygiene products as regulated waste. 1910.1030