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
HBV and needlesticks in the textile industry 1910.1030(b)
HCS classification and labeling requirements for products containing crystalline silica 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(c)
Asbestos medical surveillance requirements for class III work performed less than 30 days per year 1926.1101(h), 1926.1101(m)
Clarification regarding the jurisdiction of the applicability of the recording requirements in state territorial waters. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.3
Practical accommodation for the labeling of small packages under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1)
Use of multiple countries' information on labels of hazardous chemicals 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(2), 1910.1200(g)(1)
HBV testing and vaccines, regulated medical waste, and sole proprietorship 1910.1030(f)(1), 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(3)(xi)
Acceptable use of pictograms on chemical labels under the revised Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1)(iv), 1910.1200 App C
Applicability of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for truck drivers hauling waste products that are exempt by EPA 1910.1200(b)(2), 1910.1200(b)(6)(i), 1910.1200(b)(6)(xi), 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(h)(1), 1910.1200(h)(2), 1910.1200(h)(3), 1910.1200(h)(3)(ii), 1910.1200(h)(3)(iii), 1910.1096(i)(2)
The requirement for single or multiple SDSs 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(2)(x), 1910.1200 App D
OSHA jurisdiction over railroad employers with regards to the Hazard Communication standard (HCS) 1910.120, 1910.1200
Clarification of the new reporting requirements contained in 1904.39. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.39
Use of Kinesiology tape is considered medical treatment beyond first-aid. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(M)
Recordkeeping and maintenance of respirator medical evaluations 1910.134(e), 1910.1020(b), 1910.1020(c), 1910.1020(e)
Guidance on the Ammonium Nitrate Storage Requirements in 29 CFR 1910.109(i) 1910.109(i)
What is the correct grouping/placement of the six required elements for labels 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(3)
OSHA Standards Applicable to Automotive Service Lifts
Clarification on cranes standard regarding railroad equipment controlling entity's duty to disclose known ground-condition hazards and about the process of communicating the location of subterranean hazards to operators. 1926.1402(c)(2)
Employer payment for personal protective equipment 1910.132, 1915.152, 1917.96, 1918.106, 1926.95
Labeling of secondary containers in laboratories under the Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200(b)(3), 1910.1450(a)(1), 1910.1450(b), 1910.1450(h)(1)(i)