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
Guarding of protruding steel rods. 1926.7, 1926.500
Lead-based paint removal technology 1910.1025, 1926.62
Fires involving spills or releases of hazardous substances 1910.120
Minimum number of hours required for awareness level for police officers 1910.120
Boilermakers rebuilding an incinerator in a clean area at a Superfund site 1910.120, 1926.21
New electrical standards relating to sugar beet plant and sawmill 1910.331(c)(1)
Requirements for backrest extensions and overhead guards for powered industrial trucks. 1910.178
Maintaining Medical Records for Employees Subject to Medical Surveillance. 1910.120, 1910.1020, 1926.1101
Training requirements for emergency medical service personnel. 1910.120
Emergency response procedures for radioactive materials 1910.120, 1910.120(q)
Certifying employees as equivalently trained in hazardous waste operations 1910.120(e)(9)
Approval of extension cords by a NRTL. 1910.303(a), 1926.403(a)
The Hazard Communications Standard as it applies to employees who prepare and administer drugs/medications 1910.1200
Hazard communication in construction - general contractor responsibilities. 1910.1200
Requirements for recapping of Needles.
Training required for clean-up of hazardous waste and hazardous substances 1910.120, 1910.1200
Obligations contractors have, and if contractors and loggers, the latter as an employer, share responsibility for safety conditions in the forest. 1910.266, 1910.266(h)(2)(ii)
Revision of STD 1-11.5 as a result of DOT changes.
Responsibilities for hospitals to comply with HAZWOPER standard. 1910.120
Requirements for training in hazardous waste for DOE personnel 1910.120